Squishmallows are cute, cuddly toys that can act as friends, travel teammates, or bedtime companions. Their squishy nature makes them a delight for many people. But because of this constant cuddling, they will always get dirty and need cleaning.
How do you clean them, though? If you want to know how to wash squishmallows, read on.
Contents
What Are Squishmallows?
Squishmallows are a type of toy that is typically made from a soft, squishy material. They are commonly given as gifts to children and can be purchased at most convenience stores. The name “squishmallow” was originally coined by the manufacturer, but it has since become a popular term among toy enthusiasts.
Squishmallows are generally sold in various shapes, such as stars, hearts, and other figurines with various patterns. Squishmallows are composed of a variety of materials, including foam rubber, plastic pellets, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The toy is usually molded into one shape by injection molding.
Can You Wash Squishmallows?
That is a question on most people’s minds. Is it possible to wash the soft, cuddly animal toys? Given how soft they are, will water do them any damage? The answer is a resounding yes.
You can wash squishmallow. But you have to be careful how you do it. The softness also shows that they are delicate. Squishmallows aren’t the type of toys you’d wash haphazardly or pile together with other clothes.
You need to go about it uniquely. That’s critical to maintaining the soft, cuddly feel. Fortunately, we have the perfect steps to follow to wash your squishmallow to ensure they keep their famous squishy nature.
How to Wash Squishmallows
Cleaning squishmallow isn’t rocket science. If you remember some things to avoid, they will serve you for longer. The million-dollar question is whether you can wash squish mallows in a washing machine.
If you are to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, you shouldn’t wash squishmallow in washing machines. Machines might distort the squishy nature of the toys and leave you with a not-so-cuddly squishmallow.
But are there ways to go around that recommendation? Yes, there is.
You can stuff them inside a pillowcase, or other clothes, then throw them into the machine. However, that will push it, and you have to hope it doesn’t backfire.
1. Washing Small Stains
Minor stains need little to clean. A stain remover or wet wipe will do the trick. A damp towel could also work. Pour some detergent on the stains or dirty parts and rub softly with the towel to remove the stains.
- Wet a piece of cloth with running water
- Add some detergent or soap to the cloth
- Rub on the part with the stain repeatedly. Do this gently
- Now clean the cloth and rub out the detergent or soap
- Repeat until you remove the stain
- Tough stains are easier to remove with some baking soda paste
Besides the piece of cloth, you can also use a soft hand brush to scrub the stain from the toy. You can also use a stain remover to clean off the stain if regular detergent or soaps don’t.
2. Washing Major Stains
The best way to wash major stains is to use the washing machine. We have already mentioned that there is a way to go about it. You can’t wash the toy alone in the washing machine.
Step 1: Washing it alone could have consequences for its squishy nature. Therefore, the best way is to mix the squishmallows with other items such as bedding or clothes. With the squishmallow inside the clothes or bedding, the washing machine won’t be too harsh on it.
You can stuff your squishmallow with a blanket or some other soft object when you put it in the washing machine for extra fluffiness. It will come out even fluffier than before!
Step 2: Start the washing machine with cold water and regular detergent. Washing the toy with cold water and not hot water helps it maintain its soft nature.
Step 3: Air dry the squishmallow. To dry it, preferably go for air drying. Let the squishmallow dry by itself in the sun on in some other place. You could also use a tumble dryer but ensure it is in the lowest heat setting.
Don’t use a hairdryer or other drying techniques to dry. That could, you guessed it, mess with the squishy nature of the squishmallow. Ironing the squishmallow is also out of the question if you want to dry your squishmallow.
Keep in mind that it will have lost shape once you retrieve the squishmallow from the washing machine. But that shouldn’t worry you that much. A little squish is all you need to give the toy to regain its shape.
Things to Avoid When Washing Squishmallows
1. Washing Them in a Washing Machine All the Time
Consider spot washing minor stains instead of using the washing machine. Keep the machine only for the large stains resistant to wet wipes. Washing machines damage even the toughest fabrics over time. What could they do to your squishmallow if you use them daily?
2. Washing Them With Some Types of Laundry
We might have mentioned it’s okay to mix the squishmallows with other fabric. But it isn’t all fabric that’s okay to use when washing your squishmallow. There are some kinds of fabric you need to avoid putting in the machine with the squishmallow.
Such types of materials include lace or fabric softener. Also, materials that shed fabric, like towels or fleece blankets, are a no. That’s because that will cause the squishmallows to wear out faster.
3. Using the Wrong Detergent
The kind of detergent you also use matters because of the sensitive nature of the squishmallow. An abrasive detergent will ruin them and have unfluffy hairs, and you don’t want that.
Alternatively, you can avoid using detergents you aren’t sure of and use regular dish soap instead.
4. Using Bleach
Avoid bleach! We know it might seem like an easy way to keep your Squishmallows bright and colorfast, but it will shorten their lifespan and make them less fun for kids!
If you absolutely must use bleach on your Squishmallow because it’s stained or something (maybe from being in storage too long), get the softest possible bleach.
Bleach might be the go-to cleaning agent for some fabrics, but that doesn’t make it perfect for squishmallows.
5. Putting Them in an Oven on a High Heat Setting
This, again, will ruin them. Suppose you want to dry them. In that case, air drying should be your best bet. But if you’re to put them in an oven to dry them faster, use the lowest heat setting.
How to Take Care of Your Squishmallows
Taking care of your squishmallow will involve you doing everything we have said here. It will also include you avoiding doing most things we haven’t mentioned here. If you love your squishmallow and want to have it for longer, you’ll also wash it regularly.
And when you wash it, follow the guidelines we have mentioned, which might increase the chances of having it for longer.
Bonus. Know what to do if they get wet. If your squishmallow gets wet—maybe it went for a swim or something— wash it immediately. You don’t want it to dry up grimy.
Less is always better when caring for a squishmallow. The more times you wash it, the faster it loses the squishiness. Thus, it would be best if you only washed when necessary. Whenever you feel you can wipe off a stain, then do that.
FAQ About Washing Squishmallows
Can I Wash Squishmallows in a Washing Machine?
Yes, you can, but you need to wash it with other clothes compatible with the squishmallow. One popular hack is to stuff it inside a pillowcase, tie it, and toss the squishmallow into the washing machine.
Why Can’t I Use a Microwave to Dry a Squishmallow?
Drying your squishmallow in a microwave is a travesty. It is dangerous and ruinous for the squishmallow to dry it in a microwave. The chief material in most Squishmallows is polyester fiber. Polyester fiber isn’t microwave friendly, and you risk starting a fire when you microwave it.
What Happens When I Wash a Big Squishmallow?
Well, besides becoming clean, it will shrink in size. Press on it to have it revert to the original shape.
Can You Air Dry Squishmallows?
Yes, you can air dry Squishmallows. They are made of a material that will allow them to dry out while still keeping their original shape and size.
Does Washing Squishmallows Ruin?
The Squishmallows are fine after being washed. The water does not ruin them in any way. They maintain their original shape and consistency.
What Makes Squishmallows So Squishy?
The unique physical and chemical properties of polymers are what make squishmallows so squishy. These materials are long, chain-like molecules that can be stretched and bent, which gives them their stretchy and pliable properties. The individual polymer chains are held together by weak forces called Van der Waals forces, which allow them to move around and flow easily.
How Do You Make Squishmallow Fluffy Again?
There are a few ways to make Squishmallow fluffy again. One way is to microwave it for about 10 seconds. Another way is to put it in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
Will Squishmallow Be Worth Money?
The value of a Squishmallow is difficult to determine. The toy is relatively new to the market and has yet to be appraised by professionals. However, if the trend of similar toys continues, then the Squishmallow may be worth a considerable amount of money. The value of the toy is likely to increase as its popularity of it grows.
Can I Wash My Squishmallow With Soap?
The Squishmallow can be washed with soap by using a wet cloth to clean the surface and then using soap to wash the cloth. The Squishmallow can also be hand-washed in cold water with a mild detergent.
What Are Squishmallows Filled With?
Squishmallows are filled with a type of stuffing that is made out of fluffy material. This stuffing is usually made from cotton or some other type of synthetic fiber. It is inserted into the Squishmallow in order to give it shape and make it soft.
Why Are Squishmallows So Popular?
There are a few reasons why Squishmallows are so popular. They are incredibly soft, which makes them very comfortable to sleep on or hug. They are also lightweight, which makes them easy to carry around. Finally, they come in a variety of colors and designs, so there is sure to be a Squishmallow that appeals to everyone.
Final Thoughts
The Squishmallows are the perfect snuggle buddy. They’re great for everything from a cute reading nook to a makeshift seat cushion, soft and cuddly. They need some extra love, though. And that’s why you need to know how to wash squishmallows.
We hope the steps highlighted here help you take better care of your cuddly toys.
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