How to Wash Squishmallows? Take Good Care Guide!

How to wash Squishmallows? Can I machine-wash Squishmallow? How to hand-wash Squishmallow correctly? If you are the lucky owner of this cuddly toy, you might have already had at least one of these questions on your mind before. If you haven’t found the answer yet, here is a detailed guide to help you take good care of your stuffed animal.

Can you machine-wash Squishmallows?

Machine-washing is the least desirable method of cleaning Squishmallows. These cute plush toys dislike the spin cycle of the washer, because it can make the stuffing inside less soft. The adverse effect is especially felt and visible after a couple of intense machine cycles. While tossing a Squishmallow into the washer is not recommended, you can do it once in a blue moon, following some strict rules. For example, if your toy got a severe grease stain or a wine spill and you are too attached to it to throw it to the trash bin, you can machine-wash it.

Make sure, though, to place the toy in a mesh bag and use cold water and the low-spin cycle. This will minimize the damage that could be possibly caused to your beloved plush animal during the cycle. Wash the Squishmallow together with other materials, for example bed sheets. This will distribute the machine forces on each item evenly, making your chubby toy suffer less.

How to spot clean Squishmallows?

For light stains, spot cleaning is the best option. Use a damp cloth or a wet wipe to clean the dirt up. Even if it is a simple stain, you have to be careful and cautious with its removal. Rubbing the stain irresponsibly and chaotically can spread the dirt on a larger area. That’s why, respect your opponent, no matter its size. Scrub the dirty spot gently, starting from its edge and working your way towards its center.

How to wash Squishmallows by hand?

For tough stains, give your Squish toy a cold water bath. Fill a tub with a cold water and add a small amount of regular detergent. Agitate the water up until suds are formed. Submerge the plush toy in the soapy water, squeezing it gently to allow the water penetrate the stuffing. Intense rubbing and wringing are not the appropriate techniques for cleaning such delicate items as Squishmallows. That is why, you will limit yourself to slightly squeezing the toy from time to time to allow the soapy water reach to deepest and toughest grime.

Once your toy gets perfectly clean, drain the dirty water and give the Squishmallow a thorough rinse by keeping it under running water. Hold the toy under the tap water jet until no soap gets out of it. Wringing is not a go-to option. It may speed up the rinse, but it destroys the stuffing.

Since the toy is full of moisture you can’t simply wring out, you will have to dry it in two steps. First one, remove the excess moisture from the Squishmallow by rolling it in a clean towel. Slightly press to facilitate the absorption. Replace the towel once it gets saturated. When you see that the second towel is not absorbing anymore, it’s time to move on to the next step. It’s good to leave the plush animal in a well ventilated place so that it air dries faster. Ideally, hang the toy on a washing line outdoors, making sure it’s directly exposed to sun.

Things to avoid when cleaning Squishmallows?

1. Harsh chemicals

Even if the severity of the stain prompts you to use bleach and other harsh cleaners, don’t do this. They can weaken and discolor the fabric of your stuffed animal. You are better off sticking to mild detergents that cause no harm to your fragile toy.

2. Heat appliances

Squishmallow may take 24 hours to dry completely. Some owners of this toy refuse to wait for so long, resorting to dryer’s or hairdryer’s help to speed up the process. Avoid making the same mistake. The extreme heat from these appliances can negatively impact the flufiness of the delicate toy. Better let it dry at its own pace.

3. Hot water

Hot water is a nightmare for Squishmallows, as it makes them less fluffy and soft. Whether it’s machine-washing or hand-washing, always wash your toy in cold water to keep it in a good shape. You can use lukewarm water while hand-washing if your skin is sensitive to low temperatures.

4. Rubbing and wringing

No matter the size and severity of the stain to be removed, never engage in intense hand rubbing and wringing. One thing to remember about Squishmallows is that they are made of fragile materials. Extreme tension can easily stretch the fabric out, tear it, and distort the stuffing inside. That being said, try to be as gentle as possible when caring for your toy to extend its longevity and maintain it in good condition.

How often to wash Squishmallow?

Give the Squishmallow a deep clean once a month to rid it of dust, bacteria, sweat, dead skin cells and pet hair. Also, get the plush animal under water when a light or difficult stain ends up on it during the play. Remember that fresh stains are easier to remove. So the faster you take action, the lesser time you will spend on helping the toy clean.

To sum up

Learning how to wash Squishmallows has an essential role in extending the lifespan of these amazing toys. Try to rely on hand-washing and spot cleaning most of the time, as they are the safest methods. Use proper products and techniques, and stay far from hot water, heated electrical appliances, harsh chemicals and wringing. Also, try to minimize the use of washing machine. It will significantly enhance the longevity of the stuffed toy. Consider using the washer only when there is a tough stain on the toy you can’t remove by hand. To reduce the damage to minimum, put the Squish animal in a mesh bag, select the low-spin cycle and the cold water setting.