Squishmallows are the Cocomelon of the plush toy world. Kids love them! Pets too. They love to sleep with them or drag them along when playing. It is quite the companion, so the Squishmallows will often need washing.
However, Squishmallows needing to be washed is not the challenge; rather, how to wash them while maintaining the plush that makes them so adorable. We’ll discuss the different ways you can wash Squishmallows without ruining them.
2 Ways to Wash Squishmallows
Squishmallows are super cute stuffed animals that are made from and filled with polyester fiber.
They can either be machine-washed or hand-washed. There are strict guidelines to follow when washing them to avoid causing any damage to them.
Here are a few ways you can wash Squishmallows below:
Spot cleaning Squishmallows
This method of washing Squishmallows is mainly for when it isn’t completely dirty but has some stains. So, to spot clean your Squishmallows, you will need some wet wipes or a stain remover.
You can spot wash Squishmallows using the following methods below:
Using powder detergent
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to spot wash Squishmallows with very mild powder detergent below:
Step 1: Put a bit of liquid or powder detergent on a cloth
Step 2: Dampen with running water
Step 3: Dab the stain on the Squishmallows repeatedly with the stain until it clears.
Step 4: Dampen a dry section of the cloth with water and rub the cleaned section repeatedly to clear the soapy residue.
Note: If the soap residue is not cleared, it could attract dirt easily.
Using Liquid Detergent
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to spot wash Squishmallows with liquid detergent below:
Step 1: Apply liquid detergent or dish soap to the stain.
Step 2: Use an old toothbrush or a soft brush to scrub the stain gently until it clears.
Step 3: Wet a cloth to dab the area to remove excess soap from the Squishmallows.
Using Baking Soda Paste
If the stain on the Squishmallows is tough, try to remove it with a baking soda paste.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to spot wash Squishmallows with baking soda paste below:
Step 1: Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
Step 2: Apply the paste to the stain using a toothbrush and leave it to dry.
Step 3: As the paste dries, it will draw out the stain.
Using Stain Remover Wipes
Another approach to spot washing the Squishmallows is using stain remover wipes or wet wipes. This can come in handy if you are on the road and want to quickly spot wash your kid’s Squishmallows, other toys, or even regular laundry; it gives instant results.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to spot wash Squishmallows with stain remover wipes below:
Step 1: Take a wet wipe or a stain remover and dab it gently on the stained area of the Squishmallows.
Step 2: Repeat the process until the stain is removed
Using a Spot Remover Pen
If the wipes do not work, try a spot remover pen or any other stain remover that works on polyester fabric.
Finish up by allowing your Squishmallows to air-dry or dry on very low heat in a washer dryer.
Machine Washing Squishmallows
Squishmallows can be machine washed. However, they shouldn’t be washed alone but with bedding and similar materials so that the machine doesn’t damage them.
You can wash small Squishmallows in your regular washing machine at home. But giant Squishmallows may need to be washed in industrial machines like the ones you’d find at a laundromat.
You should note that heat damages Squishmallows, so when washing with a machine, ensure it is not set to high heat and wash in cold water only.
Here is a step-by-step guide to how to wash with machine Squishmallows below:
Step 1: Put the dirty Squishmallows in pillowcases or mesh bags in the washing machine. Make sure they’re secured to reduce agitation during the wash cycle. You can wash it alongside other non-color running laundry.
Step 2: Fill the washing machine with cold water.
Step 3: Remove the Squishmallows after a washing cycle.
Step 4: Check for dirt residue. Repeat the process if necessary.
Step 5: Place the Squishmallows in the dryer on low heat or air blow dry.
Note: After washing and drying, the Squishmallows will lose their shape, so fluff up the Squishmallows as you would a pillow. This will help them come out puffed up and keep their shape.
What is the Best Way to Wash Squishmallows?
As the official Squishmallow tags say, the best way is to dry clean only or spot clean only. However, these might not work for heavily soiled Squishmallows; many people turn to machine washing.
Care Tips For Squishmallows
A happy child equals peace in your home, and if you want your child to be happy, then you should be able to care for their Squishmallows.
Here are a few helpful tips to care for different types of Squishmallows below:
1. Don’t Wash All The Time
Can you wash Squishmallows? Yes, but washing Squishmallows all the time could damage it; if the washing machine can damage clothes, how much more Squishmallows!
The more you wash Squishmallows, the faster it loses the squishiness, so it is best to wash when necessary.
If you want it squeaky clean, you can consider spot washing minor stains instead of using the washing machine or handwashing it.
Then, once in a while, you could use the machine when the Squishmallows have gotten very dirty.
If your Squishmallows get wet when you don’t have the intention of washing them—maybe you went for a swim, and it mistakenly got into the water — wash it immediately, or else it will dry up dirty.
2. Wash With Other Laundry
I have mentioned earlier that it is okay to add another laundry to Squishmallows when washing in the machine.
However, there are certain clothes that you can’t add to the machine when washing your Squishmallows. Avoid color running clothes if you have light or white colored Squishmallows.
3. Using the Right detergent
In caring for your Squishmallows, you should pay attention to the detergent you use because of how sensitive squish mallows are.
An abrasive detergent will ruin them, and you don’t want your kids throwing tantrums. Use only mild detergent.
4. Using bleach on Squishmallows
Do not use bleach! Bleach makes it easy to get rid of dirt but don’t get tempted to use it because it will ruin the Squishmallows and make them less fun for your kids.
5. Avoid Heat
Heat ruins Squishmallows, so avoid using heat on them! So how should you dry a Squishmallow? After washing, you can dry them faster by using the lowest heat setting. The perfect method of drying Squishmallows is air drying.