Squishmallows are a lot of fun to hug and play with, but that means they need a deep cleaning here and there. You’ll want to know how to clean your plush without damaging it.
- Try spot cleaning it first.
- Place the Squishmallow in a cloth or case.
- Put the Squishmallow in your washing machine on a cold and gentle cycle.
- Let the plush air dry in the sun.
- Fluff and form the Squishmallow back into shape.
The rest of this article will cover washing your Squishmallows in detail, so you don’t have to worry about ruining them.
What You Need
- Damp cloth
- Mild laundry detergent
- Washing machine
Step 1 – Spot Cleaning
If your Squishmallow isn’t too dirty or big to fit in your washing machine, you can try handwashing it first.
For spot cleaning, start with a damp cloth and clean off dry areas with mild detergent. Squishmallows are fragile since they don’t use harsh chemicals in their dyes, so you’ll want to be careful.
You should do a test with your detergent on a small patch of the toy first. If it removes the color from the fabric, only wash your Squishmallow using cold water.
Step 2 – Place the Squishmallow in a Case
If you want a deeper cleaning, start by finding something to put your Squishmallow in. This item could be a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag.
You need to make sure the case can close entirely, so the toy doesn’t fall out inside the machine. If you’re using a pillowcase, you want to tie the ends as tightly as possible.
Step 3 – Wash on a Cold and Gentle Cycle
Next, put the case with the toy into the washing machine. Add your mild detergent, allow the machine to fill with cold water, and run it on the gentlest cycle. Don’t use hot water as it can melt the plushes’ soft stuffing!
You don’t need to machine wash your Squishmallows too often either, which can cause them to wear out quickly. Instead, make sure you try hand cleaning the plush first.
Many people also recommend washing your Squishmallows with the rest of your bedding. That way, it has a cushion against the spinning machine so that it won’t become flat.
Step 4 – Let the Plush Air Dry in the Sun
While you can put your plush in the dryer in a delicate setting, it’s better to let the plush air dry. Simply put it somewhere it can receive a lot of sunshine, then let it sit for several hours.
You don’t want to move it until it’s dry, so it doesn’t form a mildewy smell. Drying the toys outside works great, although you want to confirm it won’t rain that day first.
Step 5 – Fluff and Reform the Squishmallow
Lastly, you’ll need to fluff your Squishmallow and reform it after it dries. The soft stuffing inside the toy can clump together when wet, so you’ll want to pat, hug, and squeeze it to break up the filling. You can do this like how you’d fluff up a pillow.
And now you’re finished with cleaning your Squishmallow. It’s very easy to wash them, so you don’t need to panic when your plushes get dirty.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, you should try handwashing your Squishmallows when you can. Although, infrequent deep cleanings in the washing machine are fine! After cleaning the plush on a gentle and cold cycle, you should give it plenty of time to air dry.
Overall, Squishmallows are delicate plushes. You’ll want to do your best to care for them, so they last you a long time.