How to wash squishmallows
Squishmallows are the perfect squishy and cuddly friend for kids. However, over time they can get very grubby and need to be washed. This can be a challenge as you don’t want them to lose their squishiness and be out of shape. Also, kids want their buddies to be as perfect as when they first got them.
It can be quite scary to wash Squishmallows for the first time so, to help you, we have created a guide on how to wash Squishmallows to keep them in shape and as squishy as ever!
How often can you wash Squishmallows?
It is vital to not over-wash your Squishmallows as they can lose their cuddliness and shape and you can be at risk of ruining them. Only wash your squishy friends when it is needed. If you notice them getting grubby and worn then it is time to get them cleaned.
It is also ideal to wash the cuddly toys if you notice a stain. The sooner you tackle a stain, the better as there’s more chance of getting it out.
Can you use the washing machine?
Many squishmallows advise against machine washing on the labels. So, it can seem like a big no-no to wash in the machine and be very scary to even consider it. Machine washing is a risk but it’s a risk many squish lovers take with no problems. It is possible to machine wash them but there are precautions you need to take to keep the squishy buddies safe and in good condition. Remember, it is still against the care instructions.
· Make sure to use a mesh laundry bag or oversized pillowcase that’s tied shut to protect the Squishmallow and prevent snagging and damage during the cycle.
· Use a cool and gentle cycle such as the delicate cycle. Heat can distort the fabric.
· Put in other soft materials to cushion the Squishmallow such as blankets, duvets and towels.
· Once finished, gently squeeze them to help re-shape them to get them back to normal.
Can you put them in the dryer?
Using the dryer for Squishmallows is advised against on the care label. The high heat of a dryer can cause serious damage to them but it can be possible with a huge risk. If you want to take the risk you could use the lowest setting possible and only for a short amount of time.
It is best to avoid the dryer altogether though and air-dry them. Having patience is vital when it comes to drying Squishmallows to keep them perfect and in shape. Using a clothesline is best, with pegs, or on an airer if the weather doesn’t allow outdoor drying. Outdoor drying on a sunny and breezy day will dry the cuddly buddies the fastest. If this isn’t possible, just be prepared for indoor drying to take some time before they can be cuddled again. Before drying this way, make sure to squeeze excess water out that they can hold to prevent mould from growing.
Is it best to spot clean first?
It is best to spot clean Squishmallows before washing or as a method to clean them without washing. Spot cleaning is the easiest way to spruce them up and get them looking brand new again. It helps get stains out and is best to do once you first notice a stain as an older stain is more difficult to get out.
You can use a stain remover or dish soap to remove the stains quickly. With a stain remover use a cotton bud on the less visible pieces of fabric to see if it affects the colour and quality. If it does, avoid using a stain remover and use a damp cloth to gently dab the Squishmallow. Make sure that you don’t rub the stain further into the fabric.
Apply a little amount of dish soap to the cloth and dab the stained area again. Let the soap sit for around 5 minutes and then rinse the area off with a new clean damp cloth. Once done, let it air dry.
Does handwashing work for Squishmallows?
Handwashing is the safest way to clean Squishmallows and is advised on the care labels. But does handwashing work?
Handwashing works perfectly if your squishy friends only need a light clean, like a bit of dirt or dust. Fill up a sink or bucket with warm water and mild detergent and gently scrub the Squishmallow with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush if needed. Once cleaned, rinse thoroughly and let it air dry.
However, if your kids cuddly buddies are very dirty then handwashing doesn’t work best for them. You would have to handwash numerous times to get them back to normal. If this is the case and you don’t want to risk the washing machine, then spot cleaning before handwashing could work better.
What’s best to use on them?
Another obstacle to climb when wondering how to wash Squishmallows is what can be used in the cleaning process? Plain water won’t wash them properly but fear can be instilled when it comes to detergents and stain removers. Kids want their squishy pals to be the same and still give them the best snuggles so the pressure can be on.
The best thing to use on them is mild detergent to help clean them up. Mild detergents ensure that the cuddly toys stay as soft as ever and the fabric doesn’t get damaged. You don’t want a Squishmallow to feel rough or go bobbly.
Using soft stain removers or a stain remover pen can work with Squishmallows too. Before using them properly doing a small test on an area you can’t see is advised. Doing this can show if the stain remover damages the toys in any way or discolours them.
If you notice the plushies are starting to smell, you can add in white vinegar in the washing process to help de-odourise them. It can stop the smell better than the detergent so use them together to give Squishmallows a deep clean.
Dish soap is also something that can be used on the fabric of the plushies. This is best to use on stains if stain remover is too harsh for them and is also great to use when handwashing. Ensure to only use a small amount to prevent damage.
Can you fluff Squishmallows back up?
After washing the plushies, they can easily be fluffed back up to look brand new again. The best and simplest way to get the squishy friends back to their original shape is by squishing and snuggling it!
Kids can hug their adorable buddies again and return it to the way it was. Squishing and cuddling them helps the fibres return to where they were, bringing back their original shape. Also, it is a gentle way to fluff them up to avoid damaging and tainting them
What’s the best way to wash different sizes?
Squishmallows come in various sizes which can affect the washing process. What works for small plushies may not work for jumbo ones as the size difference is huge!
For small plushies, it is best to machine wash them as they can easily fit in the washing machine. Make sure it is a gentle and cool setting with plenty of soft items with it too. You could also handwash if you prefer.
Medium squishy friends can also be machine washed as they can fit into the machine with no problems. However, spot cleaning and handwashing can make sure that they are fully clean and in perfect condition.
Large and jumbo Squishmallows aren’t suitable for the washing machine as they won’t easily fit in, especially with other soft items that are needed to cushion them. Handwashing them could be very time-consuming due to the size of them too. The best way to spruce these sizes up is to just do spot cleaning, especially for jumbo sizes. Focus on stains and very dirty areas and spot clean them with a damp cloth and dish soap so then you aren’t spending forever handwashing them!
Use our guide on how to wash squishmallows to thoroughly clean the squishy buddies and keep them looking brand new. Whichever way you decide is best to wash the plushies, make sure that you handle them with care and are always gentle to avoid tears and damage. Squishmallows give kids lots of love so it is important to give them that same love to keep them in shape, looking brand new and still giving the best snuggles ever. Try out these methods to keep the plushies fresh and pristine, making your kids overjoyed to have their squishy, snuggly friends back and looking better than ever!
