How to Clean Squishmallows: The Ultimate Collector's Guide
Squishmallows have taken the plush toy world by storm, becoming beloved companions for kids and highly sought-after treasures for collectors. Their marshmallow-like texture and incredibly soft spandex 'mallow' fabric make them irresistible to hug. However, all that love eventually leads to dirt, spills, or dust accumulation. Knowing how to clean Squishmallows properly is essential to maintaining their shape and softness.
Can You Put Squishmallows in the Washing Machine?
The official word from Jazwares (the creators of Squishmallows) is that you should spot clean only. Machine washing can potentially warp the stuffing, cause the fabric to pill, or damage embroidered details. However, many collectors have successfully machine-washed their Squishmallows by taking specific precautions.
If you absolutely must machine wash your Squishmallow (for example, if it's heavily soiled or was bought secondhand), follow these rules:
- Use a Pillowcase or Mesh Laundry Bag: Always place the Squishmallow inside a protective bag or a securely tied pillowcase to prevent friction burns on the fabric.
- Cold Water Only: Heat will melt the synthetic fibers and ruin the soft texture. Use the cold water setting on your washing machine.
- Gentle Cycle: Select the delicate or hand-wash cycle to minimize agitation.
- Mild Detergent: Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh chemicals. A small amount of gentle laundry detergent is all you need.
How to Spot Clean Your Squishmallow
For minor stains, spills, or surface dirt, spot cleaning is the safest and most recommended method. Here is how to do it effectively:
- Blot the Stain: If it's a fresh spill, immediately blot (do not rub) the area with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible.
- Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap or gentle laundry detergent into a bowl of cold water.
- Gently Scrub: Dip a soft microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush into the soapy water. Gently dab and wipe the stained area. Avoid scrubbing vigorously, as this can damage the fabric's nap.
- Rinse: Use a separate damp cloth (with just plain water) to wipe away any soap residue.
- Air Dry: Allow the spot to air dry completely.
Drying Your Squishmallow
Drying is the most critical step in cleaning your Squishmallow. Never expose your Squishmallow to high heat. High heat will permanently melt the polyester fibers, leaving the fabric crunchy and ruined.
Air Drying (Recommended): The safest method is to let your Squishmallow air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. You can gently squeeze out excess water, but do not wring or twist the plush. Air drying can take several days for larger sizes, so be patient.
Machine Drying (Proceed with Caution): If you must use a dryer to fluff the stuffing or speed up the process, use the Air Fluff or No Heat setting. Keep the Squishmallow in its pillowcase or laundry bag. Check on it frequently to ensure it's not getting too warm.
Fluffing Your Squishmallow Back to Shape
After washing, your Squishmallow might look a bit lumpy. To restore its original shape, give it a good massage! Gently knead and punch the plush from all sides to redistribute the stuffing evenly. With a little effort, it will bounce back to its squishy, perfect self.
By following these steps, you can keep your Squishmallows looking pristine and feeling incredibly soft for years to come.
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