So, you need to clean your kids Squishmellows (or yours, no shame in that). These soft, squeezable, huggable stuffed animals can accumulate bacteria and get dirty after some time and begin to emanate odor. Reading this guide will help you understand different cleaning methods for different needs when it comes to sanitizing your squishable friends, to make sure they stay soft and intact during a wash. Cleaning any plush toy is important to maintaining hygiene, especially if it’s used frequently or by children (or yourself) or if you have pets in the house. Here are five ways to clean your Squishmallows or similar stuffed plush toy:
Surface Spot Cleaning:
For light dirt and stains, spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap is effective. Use a clean cloth dipped in water with a small amount of mild detergent (like dish soap or gentle laundry detergent). Gently blot the stained area without rubbing to avoid damaging the fabric or pushing the dirt further in. Let the plush air dry for a few hours or overnight to avoid mildew.
Hand Washing:
If your Squishmallows are heavily soiled or need a more thorough cleaning, hand washing is a great option that uses minimal abrasion. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge the Squishmallow and gently agitate it in the water, allowing the detergent to penetrate the fibers. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until no soap residue remains. Squeeze out excess water gently without wringing, and allow it to air dry completely.
Machine Washing (for certain types):
Check the care label first to ensure your Squishmallow is machine washable. Some may not be suitable for machine washing due to delicate materials, dyes, or internal components. Use a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Place the Squishmallow in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase with a few small soft items such as old socks or face towels to protect it during the wash cycle. After washing, remove from the bag, reshape it gently if needed by plumping each side with your palms, then air dry thoroughly.
Odor Cleaning with Baking Soda:
Baking soda will help to absorb odors and freshen up any Squishmallow or plush. Sprinkle baking soda lightly over the surface of the Squishmallow and let it sit for several hours or overnight to allow the baking soda to absorb odors. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove the baking soda from the surface.
Bacteria Cleaning with Sunlight and Fresh Air:
Sometimes, simply airing out the Squishmallow can help freshen it up. Place the Squishmallow in direct sunlight for a few hours. UV rays can help kill bacteria and remove odors naturally. Check to make sure the humidity level is low in your area to guarantee the Squishmallow stays completely dry when outside in the sun.
As a final note, you should always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer before attempting to clean your Squishmallow. Some may have specific recommendations or restrictions to ensure longevity and maintain their softness.
