Can You Wash Squishmallows in the Washing Machine Safely?

Squishmallows quickly become your favorite cuddle buddies, but keeping them clean can be tricky. You might wonder if tossing them in the washing machine is safe or if it could damage their soft, squishy texture.

Knowing the right way to wash your Squishmallows helps keep them fresh and fluffy without risking any harm. Whether you’re dealing with stains or just want to freshen them up, understanding the best cleaning methods ensures your plush stays in great shape.

In this article, you’ll discover if machine washing is a good idea and how to do it properly to protect your Squishmallows’ unique softness.

Can You Wash Squishmallows in the Washing Machine?

Yes, you can wash Squishmallows in the washing machine, but it requires specific care to protect their softness and shape. Use a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent fabric damage. Place your Squishmallow inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to reduce friction during washing. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners as they degrade the plush material.

Use a mild detergent formulated for delicate fabrics to maintain the plush’s integrity. Set the spin cycle to low speed to minimize stress on the toy’s seams. After washing, air dry your Squishmallow by laying it flat on a clean towel; avoid machine drying, which risks shrinking or deforming the stuffing.

If your Squishmallow has electronic components, skip machine washing entirely and opt for spot cleaning. Following these guidelines keeps your Squishmallow clean while preserving its signature softness and shape.

Understanding Squishmallow Materials

Squishmallows consist of specific materials that impact their cleaning and care requirements. Knowing these materials helps you choose the safest washing methods for your plush toy.

What Are Squishmallows Made Of?

Squishmallows feature a spandex and polyester outer shell combined with a polyester fiberfill interior. The smooth, stretchy spandex fabric creates their signature soft and squishy texture. The polyester fibers inside provide plushness and resilience. These materials contribute to the Squishmallow’s ability to maintain shape and softness after handling.

How Material Affects Washing Options

The spandex-polyester blend reacts best to gentle care. Cold water preserves the fabric’s stretch and prevents shrinking. Polyester fiberfill can clump or lose fluffiness if exposed to heat or harsh agitation, making gentle cycles critical. Avoiding bleach and fabric softeners protects fibers from breaks and stiffness. Machine drying risks fabric damage and filling deformation. Air drying maintains the plush feel, keeping your Squishmallow soft and intact after washing.

Best Practices for Machine Washing Squishmallows

Follow specific steps to machine wash your Squishmallow safely. Proper preparation and correct machine settings protect its softness and shape.

Preparing Your Squishmallow for Washing

Remove any accessories or detachable parts before washing. Place your Squishmallow inside a mesh laundry bag to prevent surface damage and reduce friction. Check for any tears or weak seams and repair them to avoid further damage during the wash cycle. Use a mild detergent free of bleach and fabric softeners, as these chemicals degrade the fabric and stuffing.

Recommended Washing Settings

Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold water. Adjust the spin speed to low to minimize agitation, protecting the polyester fiberfill from clumping. Avoid hot water or heavy-duty cycles, which cause shrinking and damage the spandex-polyester shell. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners, as they can weaken the fibers and affect texture. Use only small amounts of mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics.

Alternative Cleaning Methods for Squishmallows

You can clean Squishmallows effectively without using a washing machine. These methods help preserve their softness and shape, especially for delicate or electronic-filled plush toys.

Hand Washing Tips

Start by filling a basin with cold water and adding a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge your Squishmallow and gently squeeze the fabric without wringing or twisting. Focus on any stained or soiled areas by gently rubbing them with your fingers. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to remove soap residue, then press out excess water by pressing the toy between towels. Lay your Squishmallow flat to air dry, turning it occasionally to ensure even drying.

Spot Cleaning Techniques

Use spot cleaning for small stains or dirty spots to avoid wetting the entire plush. Dampen a clean cloth with cold water and add a drop of mild detergent. Gently blot the stained area without rubbing aggressively, which can damage fibers. Rinse the cloth and blot again to remove soap residue. Allow the toy to air dry completely before handling. For deeper stains, apply a small amount of upholstery or fabric cleaner designed for delicate materials, testing on a hidden area first.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Squishmallows

• Using hot water temperatures damages the spandex-polyester blend and causes shrinking. Always use cold water while washing your Squishmallow.
• Skipping the mesh laundry bag exposes the plush surface to friction and tearing. Always place your Squishmallow inside a mesh bag before machine washing.
• Applying bleach or fabric softeners breaks down polyester fibers and reduces fluffiness. Avoid these products to keep your Squishmallow soft.
• Washing without a gentle cycle and low spin speed increases agitation, causing fiber clumping and loss of shape. Select gentle cycle settings for optimal care.
• Neglecting to remove accessories or check for tears risks damage to the toy and washing machine. Prepare your Squishmallow properly before washing.
• Drying in a machine dryer exposes polyester fiberfill to heat, leading to clumping and loss of softness. Always air dry your Squishmallow flat on a towel.
• Using too much detergent leaves residue that stiffens fibers. Use only small amounts of mild detergent formulated for delicates.
• Ignoring electronic components inside certain Squishmallows causes malfunctions. Avoid machine washing those and opt for spot cleaning instead.

Drying Your Squishmallow Properly

Air drying preserves the softness and shape of your Squishmallow better than any other method. Lay it flat on a clean towel to allow even drying and avoid distortion caused by hanging. Rotate the Squishmallow every few hours so all sides dry thoroughly. Avoid using a dryer as heat damages the polyester fiberfill, causing clumping and loss of fluffiness. Keep the Squishmallow away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading. If your Squishmallow feels damp after several hours, replace the towel with a dry one to accelerate drying. This gentle approach protects the plush fabric and maintains your Squishmallow’s signature softness.

Conclusion

You can definitely keep your Squishmallow clean using a washing machine, as long as you follow the right steps. Treating it gently with cold water, a mild detergent, and a protective mesh bag will help maintain its softness and shape. Avoid harsh chemicals and high heat to prevent damage.

For Squishmallows with electronics, spot cleaning is safer to avoid ruining the components. Air drying your plush toy carefully ensures it stays fluffy and fresh without risking fiber clumping.

By taking these precautions, you’ll enjoy a clean, cozy Squishmallow that looks and feels just like new.