How to Wash Squishmallows Safely: Easy & Safe Washing Guide

Your kid probably takes their Squishmallows everywhere. It's on the bed at night, on the couch during cartoons, in the car on long drives, and yes, even on the floor from time to time. 

So, sooner or later, you’re going to look at it and think, “How am I supposed to wash this without ruining it?”

That’s where this guide on how to wash Squishmallows will be handy. It tells you exactly how to wash Squishmallows safely, when a quick spot clean will do, when a deeper clean is needed, and how to keep that soft, squishy filling from turning lumpy. 

Firstly, can you wash Squishmallows?

Squishmallows are plush toys, known for their soft, marshmallow-like texture. Just like most other soft toys, Squishmallows can also be washed. But that doesn’t mean it should automatically go into the washing machine.

Start by checking the care tag on your Squishmallow. The fabric, filling, details, and care instructions can vary, so those directions should always come first.

Then choose your cleaning method based on how dirty it actually is:

How to clean Squishmallows without washing the whole thing

Squishmallows are filled with polyester fibers and a spandex-blend fabric to maintain their signature marshmallow-like softness. Submerging them in water can make the filling clump up. Instead, the manufacturer recommends spot-treating stains. 

Here’s how to clean Squishmallows with small stains:

• Mix a little mild detergent with cool water.

• Test the mixture on a small, hidden area first.

• Dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently work over the mark.

• Use another damp cloth to blot away any detergent.

• Leave the area to air dry completely.

Also, try to deal with spills and stains when they happen. A stain that’s been sitting for weeks can be much harder to remove than a fresh one.

How to wash Squishmallows by hand

Maybe your toddler has dragged their Squishmallows across the floor, sticky hands have been all over it, or a juice spill has soaked further than the surface. When you’re dealing with heavier, all-over dirt, it may be time for a full wash. 

Here’s step-by-step guide on how to wash Squishmallows by hand the right way:

Step 1: Check the care label

Before washing your Squishmallow, read the care label to see if it’s even washable. If yes, check the label for further details on how to wash the Squishmallow. Look for specific cleaning instructions, like water temperature, drying guidance, etc. 

Step 2: Prepare the water

Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle detergent like Mozi Wash. You don't need loads of suds to get it clean, so a gentle, low-suds detergent like Mozi Wash which rinses effectively will be perfect.

Step 3: Wash gently

Work the water through the plush carefully, paying a little more attention to dirty areas. Don't aggressively scrub, twist, or wring your Squishmallow. You want to clean the filling, not push it into one big lump.

Step 4: Rinse well

Next, rinse the Squishmallows with clean, cool water until you’ve removed all the detergent residue. Gently press out any excess water, but avoid twisting the plush toy. You can also press it between two clean towels to soak up the excess moisture.

Step 5: Reshape and air-dry

Now, to restore your Squishmallows back to its original shape, gently redistribute the filling with your hands. 

The safest way to dry your Squishmallows is air-drying. Just lay the toy flat on a clean, dry towel in a well-ventilated area and reshape it as it dries. This method helps maintain the softness and shape of the Squishmallows without risking heat damage.

Can Squishmallows be washed in a machine?

The manufacturer (Jazwares) doesn’t recommend machine washing your Squishmallows. If you still want to machine wash your Squishmallows (like other plushies), you should take some extra precautions. 

Here’s how:

• Put the Squishmallows inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase for extra protection.

• Use cool water and a gentle cycle.

• Choose a gentle, low-sudsing detergent.

• Wash it with soft items rather than anything with zippers or hardware that could snag the fabric.

• Avoid bleach and other harsh laundry products.

• Reshape the filling once the wash is finished.

Also, avoid using the dryer. Lay it out on a drying rack or on a clean towel to air dry.

Tips to keep your Squishmallows looking new and fluffy 

You can use these tips to keep your Squishmallows fluffy and as good as new.

• Deal with spills quickly : Blot away stains before they have time to settle into the fabric.

• Use a stain remover : For tough stains, use the Mozi Wash Stain Treater instead of washing the entire Squishmallow.

• Refresh smelly Squishmallows without a wash : Use a gentle linen mist like the Mozi Mist Spray to freshen it up. Always do a patch test to see if it’s safe.

• Reshape properly : Use your hand to massage and knead the Squishmallows back into shape.

Keep your Squishmallows smelling amazing long after with Mozi Wash 

Using the right, gentle detergent for your Squishmallows is just as important as knowing how to wash Squishmallows. Mozi Wash laundry detergent is concentrated and low-sudsing, so a small amount goes a long way.

• Plant-based enzymes help tackle everyday grime and stains

• Low-sudsing formula makes thorough rinsing easier

• Long-lasting fragrance leaves freshly washed plush smelling great

But always check your Squishmallow's care instructions before using any detergent.

Conclusion

Learning how to wash Squishmallows is all about understanding when not to overdo it. Just remember:

• Spot clean stains at the earliest (the best way)

• Hand wash (if absolutely necessary)

• Machine wash as the last resort (not recommended)

Always use a gentle detergent like Mozi Wash and read the care tag first to understand the do’s and don’ts to keep your Squishmallows feathery soft and squishy.

How to wash Squishmallows FAQs

1. Are Squishmallows allowed to be washed?

According to the manufacturer, you can only spot-clean Squishmallows for stains. Submerging them is not recommended. However, if your Squishmallows does need a deep clean, it’s best to wash it gently by hand with a mild liquid detergent.

2. Can Squishmallows go into the dryer?

No. Avoid using a dryer because the excess heat can ruin your Squishmallow’s shape and damage its fillings. Instead, air-dry it by laying it down on a clean towel or drying rack.

3. Can I re-fluff my Squishmallows after a wash?

Yes. Once it's completely dry, gently massage, squeeze, and redistribute the filling with your hands. Work around any lumpy or flattened areas until the Squishmallows starts returning to its usual shape.

4. What is the safest way to clean a Squishmallow?

The safest (and recommended) way to clean a Squishmallows is to follow the care and wash instructions outlined on the care label of the plushy. While you can spot-treat stains, for further washing instructions, it’s best to stick to the manufacturer’s guidance.

5. Can I dry clean my Squishmallow?

No, you shouldn’t dry clean a Squishmallow. The harsh solvents used in professional dry cleaning can melt/damage the polyester and spandex fibres used in the Squishmallow.