Being a squishmallow lover myself, I know it is not easy to leave your squishmallow dirty. They are more than just toys and need good care as well. You can squeeze these cute love balls, play with them, and even sleep with them whenever you feel like it. And that is why they often get dirty because it’s very difficult to keep our hands off of them.
People often ask if they can wash their squishmallows, and if they can, then how? So, let’s talk about that in detail with a step-by-step guide.
There are three main methods of washing a squishmallow. The condition of the sqiushmallow will decide what method of cleaning is best for it.
How Often Should You Clean Your Squishmallow?
Well, to be precise, there is no particular time interval after which you have to wash your squishmallow. It should be done on an as-needed basis. If you wash a squishmallow too much, there is a chance that you will damage the toy.
So it is better to clean them when you notice that the condition of the toy is getting worse than ever or if you notice a stain. It is better to clean out a stain as soon as you notice them.
Machine Wash
If your squishmallow is heavily spoiled and has become very dirty, or if you have spilled some kind of liquid or it contains food residue, then this is the best method for you. Put your squishmallow in a mesh laundry bag, wash it with cold water, and clean it gently.
Hand Wash
If it is not extremely dirty and needs a little bit of cleaning, then hand washing is the best way. A small amount of dirt or little dust can be cleaned through this process. Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add a little bit of light detergent or, preferably, shampoo. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean them. Finish it off with some cold water and air-dry.
Spot Clean
This process is best if your squishmallow has dirt spots or stubborn stains. Mix a little bit of soft detergent with cold water and dab the stain with a sponge or any kind of soft cloth. Allow it to air dry after cleaning it with cold water before giving it back to your kid.
The Process Of Machine Wash
This process is for thosquish mallowsows that have become a lot dirty and need a good clean. You will need the following items for cleaning through this process.
- Dry towel
- Soft-bristled hairbrush
- Soft liquid detergent
- Mesh laundry bag
- Essential oil (optional)
How To Wash Squishmallows In A Washer Or Washing Machine?
If there is a stain in the squishmallow, put a stain remover or Oxy clean solution, and scrub the area gently before putting it inside the washing machine.
Step 1: Put the squishmallow in a mesh laundry bag and seal it properly. A pillowcase can be used if you don’t have a laundry bag. This is important because a machine wash can damage the squishmallow, and it will protect it from causing any damage.
Step 2: Using the right kind of detergent and the right amount is important, or else it will cause damage to the squishmallow. A mild detergent will help in cleaning and won’t cause harm as well.
Step 3: Set your washing machine in a gentle mode and use cold water to wash the toy. Don’t forget that the temperature should not get higher than thirty degrees centigrade or eighty-six degrees Fahrenheit. You should use the lowest spin cycle speed for cleaning.
Step 4: Once you have washed the squishmallow, you will have to immediately check the toy for any loose thread, fabric damage, or lingering stains.
Step 5: The last step is drying the squishmallow for 5 minutes on low heat in a dryer. If you think of air-drying it, then put it on a dry towel and fluff the fabric with a hairbrush and a few drops of essential oil. Plus, it would be great if you want to add a soothing aroma and give it a fresh smell.
The Process Of Hand Wash
If you want to clean it lightly, then hand wash it. For this process, the following items are needed.
- Mild liquid detergent
- Dry towels
- Bucket or sink
- Cloth or soft-bristle brush
- Essential oils (optional)
How To Hand Wash Your Squishmallows?
Step 1: Filling a sink or bucket with warm water and adding a few drops of liquid detergent is the first step. Keep the temperature in check so the squishmallow is not damaged.
Step 2: Soak the squishmallow in warm water for 5-10 minutes. This will help the dirt to come out easily, and it will be easy to clean.
Step 3: Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the dirt. Be gentle with it, or you may end up damaging the squishmallow.
Step 4: Rinse off any remaining soap or dirt with the help of cold water.
Step 5: Put it on a dry towel after the rinsing proc; if if you want, add some essential oil to give it a fresh aroma.
The Process Of Spot-Cleaning:
Spot cleaning is suggested for cleaning these plush toys, and it is a wonderful option for treating stubborn stains and dirt marks. You will need the following items.
- Warm water
- Mild detergent
- Small bucket
- Sponge or soft cloth
- Hair dryer (optional)
How To Spot Clean Squishmallows?
Step 1: Mix warm water with a few drops of detergent in a bucket. Keep the temperature low, or it could damage the plush toy.
Step 2: Dip the sponge or cloth in the soap solution and then dab it on the stained areas of the plush toy. Dab it gently, and do not scrub too hard, or it will ruin the fabric.
Step 3: Use a dry and clean towel after cleaning to get rid of any soap residue. Try not to soak any extra water into the fabric that is needed.
Step 4: Put it in a rack and place it over some dry towels to get rid of any excess water that is needed. If needed, use a soft-bristled hairbrush to fluff the fur, and it will be just as new.
Things To Avoid
- Do not use an iron, hair dryer, or any heated appliances if you have to use the low heat of the dryer.
- Do not put it in a microwave.
- Do not wash it with soap.
- Do not wash it without a pillow case or laundry bag.
- Do not use hot water, use lukewarm or cold water to clean it.
- Do not pull the thread that is sticking out from the squishmallow.
Additional tips
- If you notice that your squishmallow has become too dirty, or if it is stained too much, try applying a stain remover in the areas where the stain has been set before you put it inside the washing machine. Or try to rub the stained area with a pinch of laundry detergent, and that might work wonders as well.
- Notice if your squishmallow is smelling. If yes, add one or two tablespoons of white vinegar to the tub where you are washing the squishmallow when you are adding the detergent. The vinegar would work like a deodorizing agent while you deep clean your squishmallow.
Challenges You Might Face While Cleaning Your Squishmallow
You might face a few challenges while washing your cuddly soft toy. But what are these challenges? Here are a few of them and how you can clean them.
Stains On The Surface
This is something that we have discussed earlier as well. You might get ink stains, food spills, and various other stains.
Solution: Clean the area with a stain remover or mild soap and scrub the area gently. Do not scrub roughly, or you might end up damaging the stuffing or the fabric.
Dirt And Dust Accumulation
It is natural that with time, the squishmallow will accumulate dirt and dust as you use it regularly.
Solution: Dust it regularly with a cloth, shake it properly, or vacuum it regularly. If the instructions say that you cannot wash it via machine wash, then go for it; otherwise, spot cleaning is your best option.
Color Fading
If you wash the squishmallow with harsh chemicals or expose it to sunlight, then you might see the color of your squishmallow fading.
Solution: Avoid putting it under direct sunlight for several hours. Never use harsh chemicals to wash the squishmallow. Use gentle soaps or mild detergents to wash them.
Final Words
Be careful while cleaning these bedtime companions. Although the manufacturers will discourage you from putting them in a washer, it has been seen that they look quite fine after cleaning them in a washer or dryer. Moreover, just be cautious and wash them with mild soap, and just be gentle with these, and you are good to go.
Additional Reading:
- Best Toys For 6 Months Olds
- The 15 Best Indoor Climbing Toys For Toddlers
- Navigating Parenthood: Choosing The Perfect Stroller-Carrier Combo For Your Little One
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