Yes, you can wash a Squishmallow safely. This is great since these super squishy plush toys can get pretty messy after a while. From spot cleaning your soft plush toys to turning to a washing machine, it’s not hard to get your plush toy looking like new in no time!
Can You Put a Squishmallow in the Washing Machine?
Yes, you can wash Squishmallows in the washing machine when they need a general clean.
However, you’ll need to follow the right steps to ensure your cuddly toys come out of the machine looking even better than when you put them.
Keep reading and we’ll go over exactly how to do this!
What You’ll Need to Clean Squishmallows Plush Toys:
- Washing machine
- Mild detergent
- Dirty Squishmallows
- Mesh net laundry bag
- If you don’t have a laundry bag, you can use a pillow case instead.
- Dryer
- This is optional and best in a hurry. Air drying is also a great option.
Can you Machine Wash Squishmallows with Detergent?
Yes, you can machine wash your loved squish-mallows.
Step 1: Start with the Washer
Before machine washing your plush toy, put your Squishmallows plush toys in a pillow case or mesh bag. This will help protect it while it cycles through the wash.
Once you have your Squishmallow ready, turn your machine to a cool water wash. These stuffed animals are made with polyester fiber and a hot water cycle can cause problems like melting which cold water can help avoid.
To make sure that the toy doesn’t lose shape, it’s best to use a gentle cycle too. This will help reduce how rough the machine is on your fabric Squishmallows inside.
Step 2: Drying Your Squishmallows
You have two main options when it comes to drying your plush toys now. You can allow them to air dry or you can throw them in the dryer.
Opting for an air dry method is the preferred method. After all, it doesn’t toss the plush toy around as much as a dryer might. Unfortunately, this can take a lot of time.
If you’re in a rush, you can safely tumble dry or air fluff your Squishmallows in the dryer. Do not take the mesh bag or pillowcase off of the plush toy to put it in the dryer.
Once again, it’s important to never use heat on your Squishmallows, or you risk damaging the polyester fiber.
Step 3: Fluff Your Squishmallow Plush Toys
When you pull them out of the dryer or once they’ve air dried, your Squishmallow might still look a little different than you remembered. Specifically, they might look a little extra squished.
This is simply a bit of deformity from going through the washing process. As you machine wash these fluffy friends, the stuffing inside can clump together, giving the dry Squishmallows a strange shape.
Not to worry! Just give your fluffy friend a few hugs and it’ll break up that stuffing inside, helping your Squishmallow look like new.
How to Spot Clean a Squishmallow?
Step 1: Blot the Stain
When you initially notice a dirty spot on your Squishmallow, grab a damp cloth and blot the stain. Do not rub or scrub the stain. If you do, you increase your own risk of making the dirty spot larger or damaging the fabric.
Step 2: Wet Wipes and Spot Remover
If the spot is just a bit dirty but not stained, you can grab a baby wipe. This should remove any grime when Squishmallows dirty rather quickly.
In the case of a stain, grab a stain remover pen to spot clean the area. A simple stain remover pen usually only requires you to apply it, let it sit for a moment, and wipe it with a damp cloth.
How to Hand-wash Squishmallows?
Step 1: Prepare Your Washing Area
A sink is a great place to hand wash Squishmallows. The rules here are similar to washing your Squishmallows in a washing machine. Only use cold water and avoid anything too harsh like stiff-bristled brushes.
Step 2: Air Dry
Once you’ve gently scrubbed your Squishmallow clean, you’ll need to let it dry thoroughly. Just like before, you can use either a dryer or, preferably, let them air dry before tossing them back on the bed or in a toy box.
How to Remove Mold From Squishmallows?
Step 1: Tackle with Vinegar
Mold is the last thing most people want to deal with. However, if your Squishmallows are forgotten for a while, especially if they’re left damp in the dark, mold can form.
Luckily, you can use white vinegar on the mold spots to remove the mold.
The exception to this is if the mold is in the stuffing. If the mold has reached the stuffing, you’ll need to replace the stuffing altogether.
Step 2: Wash and Dry Squishmallows
From here, you’ll want to follow any of the above methods to wash and dry your Squishmallows. This will help remove any remaining mess and get rid of the vinegar smell.
Can You Use Any Detergent When Washing a Squishmallow?
Like any other type of laundry, the detergent will help get your Squishmallow as clean as possible. The best choice you have here is mild detergent.
A mild detergent isn’t as likely to cause damage as a stronger option. For some extra comfort, you can throw some fabric softener in too.
What Does Squishmallow Says is the Washing Suggestions?
The manufacturer of Squishmallows recommends spot cleaning your stuffed animals when possible. If things get really messy, they advise getting your fluffy friends dry cleaned rather than opting for anything else.
Still, many people have found that these toys do well in the washer as long as you take the right precautions. This includes steps like using cold water and a laundry bag.
What Kind of Stuffing is in Squishmallows?
It seems like the stuffing is one of the things that sets Squishmallows apart from other stuffed animals. It’s even in the name – these toys have a special kind of squish to them when you hug them!
The stuffing in a Squishmallow uses polyester fiber to help create this effect. As mentioned before, this is important to know when cleaning them because they can melt in high heat. This is why you should only wash your Squishmallows in cold water and never use heat to dry them.
Will Washing Squishmallows in the Washer Ruin Them?
No! There are some precautions you need to take to make sure you’re machine washing these stuffed animals correctly. If you use high heat, you’re going to increase the risk of damage. Strong detergents can cause harm as well.
To avoid these risks, though, just make sure to avoid heat and offer your Squishmallow the proper protection while it’s in the washer.
Did you like our tutorial? It’s easy to see why Squishmallows are so popular and it’s a relief to see that they’re just as easy to wash when they start to get dirty. If you found this guide helpful, let us know in the comments and share it with a friend who needs it!