As a squishmallows fan, you know how important it is to keep your beloved plush toys clean and fluffy. But can you wash squishmallows? The answer is yes. Squishmallows can be washed, but you must do it properly to avoid damaging them.
Squishmallows are made of soft and delicate materials, so washing them carefully is essential. We’ll show you how to spot-clean your squishmallows to remove stains and dirt without damaging the fabric.
We’ll also walk you through the steps to handwash your squishmallows and how to use a washing machine properly. We’ll cover everything you need to know to make your squishmallows clean and fluffy again.
Key Takeaways
- Squishmallows can be washed, but you must do it properly to avoid damaging them.
- Spot cleaning, handwashing, and machine washing are all viable options.
- Don’t put your squishmallows in the dryer; avoid using bleach or fabric softeners.
Table of Contents
Can You Wash Squishmallows?
You can wash Squishmallows but must follow some precautions to avoid damaging them. Squishmallows are designed to be cuddly and soft, but they can get dirty over time. Washing them regularly can help to keep them clean and fresh.
You can use different methods to wash Squishmallows, but hand and machine washing are the most common. Before you wash your Squishmallow, you should check the care instructions tag to ensure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
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Guide To Washing Squishmallows Properly
Are your Squishmallows in need of a good wash? Don’t worry. There are three ways to get them clean and fluffy again.
How To Wash Squishmallows With Washing Machine
Do you want to wash your squishmallows quickly and effectively? Using a washing machine can be a convenient option, but it also comes with some risks. Here are the pros and cons of using a washing machine to wash your squishmallows:
Pros
- Convenient: You can wash multiple squishmallows at once without much effort.
- Fast: A washing machine can clean your squishmallows quickly.
- Effective: A washing machine can remove dirt and stains effectively.
Cons
- Risky: Machine washing is not recommended by the manufacturer and may cause damage to your squishmallows.
- Potential damage: The washing machine can be too rough on the delicate fabric of your squishmallows, causing them to lose shape or even tear.
- Stuffing clumping: The stuffing inside your squishmallows may clump together during machine washing, making them less huggable.
If you still want to machine wash your squishmallows, here are the steps to do it safely:
Step 1: Place your squishmallow in a mesh bag or zippered pillowcase. This will prevent your squishmallow from snagging on other items in the machine.
Step 2:Toss your bagged squishmallow in the machine with like items. Avoid washing your squishmallow with heavy or sharp items that could damage it.
Step 3: Wash your squishmallow in a cool, gentle cycle with low-sudsing detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, which can damage the fabric.
Step 4: Let your squishmallow air dry. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can damage the fabric and stuffing.
Remember, the manufacturer does not recommend machine washing and may cause damage to your squishmallows. Spot cleaning or hand washing is the safest option to keep your squishmallows in the best condition.
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How To Spot Clean Squishmallows
If you have a small stain, dirt, or grime on your Squishmallow, spot cleaning can be a quick and easy solution to avoid washing the whole toy unnecessarily. Here are the steps to effectively spot-clean your Squishmallow:
Step 1: Blot the dirty spot with a damp cloth. This will help to remove any loose dirt or grime from the surface of the Squishmallow.
Step 2: Wipe your Squishmallow with a wet wipe for a quick wash. Make sure to use a gentle wet wipe to avoid damaging the toy. You can also use a stain remover pen if the stain is particularly stubborn.
Step 3: Repeat as needed until the spot is clean. If the stain is still visible, try using a damp cloth with a mild laundry detergent to remove it.
It’s important to note that spot cleaning should only be used for small stains or dirt. If your Squishmallow is heavily soiled, washing it in the washing machine using a delicate cycle is best.
How To Handwash Squishmallows
Hand washing is a great alternative if you don’t want to risk damaging your Squishmallow in the washing machine. It’s gentle, safe, and recommended by the manufacturer. However, it can be time-consuming and labor-intensive and may only remove some dirt.
To properly hand wash your Squishmallow, follow these steps:
Step 1: Fill a sink or basin with cool water and mild laundry detergent. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the fabric and cause the stuffing to clump together.
Step 2: Submerge your Squishmallow in the water and squeeze gently. Be careful not to scrub or agitate the fabric too much, damaging the stuffing.
Step 3: Rinse your Squishmallow with clean water until no soap remains. You may need to rinse it several times to ensure all the soap is removed.
Step 4: Squeeze out the excess water and reshape your Squishmallow. Gently squeeze the fabric to remove as much water as possible, then reshape your Squishmallow to its original form.
Step 5: Let your Squishmallow air dry. Avoid using a dryer or any other heated appliance to dry your Squishmallow, as this can damage the fabric and stuffing. Instead, lay it flat on a clean towel and let it air dry.
Using a mesh or laundry bag can help protect your Squishmallow during washing. You can use a pillowcase if you don’t have a mesh bag.
While fabric softeners may make your Squishmallow feel softer, they can also damage the fabric and cause it to lose shape over time. Therefore, avoiding fabric softeners when washing your Squishmallow is best.
How To Make Squishmallows Fluffy Again?
Squishmallows are soft and cuddly toys that can lose their fluffiness over time due to too much washing, drying, storing, or playing with them. If your Squishmallow has lost its fluffiness, don’t worry! There are several ways to restore its softness and make it fluffy again.
Fluff Them Up by Hand or with a Comb or Brush
One of the easiest ways to make your Squishmallow fluffy again is to fluff it by hand. Gently grab the toy and shake it to loosen up the stuffing. You can also use a comb or brush to fluff up the fur. Start at the top of the head and gently brush downwards towards the feet. Repeat this process until the toy is fluffy again.
Use a Dryer Sheet or Fabric Softener Spray
Another way to restore the fluffiness of your Squishmallow is to use a dryer sheet or fabric softener spray. Simply spray the toy in a well-ventilated area with fabric softener. You can also place a dryer sheet with the toy on low heat for a few minutes. This will help to add some scent and softness to the toy.
Air Dry in a Well-Ventilated Area
If your Squishmallow has been washed and dried, it may have lost some of its fluffiness. To restore its softness, air dry it in a well-ventilated area. Place the toy on a clean towel and let it dry naturally. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or using a fan, which can cause the toy to lose shape.
Maintain Fluffiness in Between Washes
Store your Squishmallow fluffy between washes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Avoid squeezing or flattening the toy too much when playing or cuddling. This will help to maintain its shape and softness over time.
What You Should NEVER Do When Cleaning It?
When it comes to cleaning Squishmallows, there are a few things you should avoid doing to prevent damaging them. Here are some common mistakes that people make when cleaning Squishmallows and how to avoid them:
- Using hot water or bleach to wash them: Hot water or bleach can damage the fabric and filling of Squishmallows. It’s best to use cool water and a mild detergent instead.
- Using a dryer or hairdryer to dry them: Heat can melt the fabric and filling of Squishmallows, so it’s best to let them air dry instead.
- Washing them too often or rarely: Washing Squishmallows can wear them out while washing them too rarely can make them unclean. It’s best to wash them as needed depending on their dirty.
- Ironing or pressing them: Squishmallows should never be ironed or pressed as this can damage their fabric and filling.
- Submerging them in water: Squishmallows should not be submerged in water as this can damage their filling. Spot cleaning with a damp cloth is the recommended method.
- Using harsh chemicals: Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach, fabric softeners, or stain removers on Squishmallows as they can damage the fabric and filling.
Can Squishmallows Go in the Dryer?
The answer is no if you’re wondering whether you can toss your Squishmallow in the dryer. The manufacturer warns against using a dryer for Squishmallows, and for good reason. The dryer can cause shrinkage, melting, or deformation of your beloved plush toy.
But don’t worry, there are alternatives to using a dryer for Squishmallows. Here are a few options:
- Air dry them in a cool, dry, or sunny place. This is the safest and most effective way to dry your Squishmallow without causing any damage. Simply lay it out on a towel or hang it up to dry in a well-ventilated area.
- Use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process. If you need to dry your Squishmallow quickly, you can use a fan or dehumidifier to help speed up the process. Just be sure to keep the temperature low and avoid using high heat.
- Use a towel or paper towel to absorb moisture before air drying them. If your Squishmallow is particularly wet, you can use a towel or paper towel to absorb moisture before air drying it. This will help speed up the drying process and prevent any mold or mildew from forming.
In summary, avoiding using a dryer for your Squishmallows is best. Instead, air drying them in a cool, dry place or using a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the process.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, washing your Squishmallow is possible, but you must take some precautions to avoid damaging it. Depending on how dirty it is, you can choose between machine washing, spot cleaning, or handwashing. However, always check the care label to use the correct method.
Remember, Squishmallows are delicate plush toys made of polyester and stuffing, so handle them carefully. Always seek support from the manufacturer or a professional cleaner if in doubt.
Happy washing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my squishmallow that has been peed on?
To clean a peed-on squishmallow, blot excess moisture with a towel, then spot-clean with mild detergent and water. Rinse and air dry completely, avoiding machine-washing or submerging in water.
How can you disinfect Squishmallows?
To disinfect your squishmallow, wipe it down with equal parts water and white vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. Alternatively, use a soft-surface-safe disinfectant spray.
What is the best way to wash a big Squishmallow?
Hand-wash a big squishmallow in lukewarm water and mild detergent, gently agitate, rinse thoroughly, and air dry flat. Avoid machine-washing or submerging in water.
How often should I wash my squishmallow?
The frequency of washing your squishmallow depends on how often it is used and how dirty it gets. Generally, it would be best to wash your squishmallow every few months or as needed. To prevent them from setting in, clean any stains or spills as soon as they occur.
Can squishmallows grow mold?
Squishmallows can grow mold if exposed to moisture or humidity. To prevent this, dry it thoroughly if it gets wet, avoid storing it in damp areas, and wash it regularly to remove dirt and bacteria.
Why is my Squishmallow lumpy after washing?
If your squishmallow is lumpy after washing, it may be due to improper drying. Make sure to squeeze out any excess water and lay your squishmallow flat to air dry completely. Avoid using a dryer or direct heat to dry your squishmallow, which can damage the fabric and stuff inside.
