How to Care for Squishmallows So They Stay Soft and Clean

Quick answer

For most Squishmallows, spot clean first with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, then air-dry away from direct heat. If a full wash is truly needed, use a gentle cycle in a pillowcase or mesh bag and tumble dry on low or air-dry. Always check the hangtag before washing, because some plush with clips or delicate details should not be submerged.

Squishmallows are made with ultrasoft materials that feel great to squeeze, but that same softness means they need gentle handling when they get dirty. Whether your plush has been on a long flight, survived a movie marathon, or collected dust on a shelf, a few simple habits will keep it clean without flattening the fill.

This guide walks through the full process, from a quick spot clean to a deeper wash and safe drying. You will also find checkpoints for common mistakes, plus notes on plush that should stay out of the washing machine entirely.

Start with a spot clean before you commit to a full wash

Most everyday messes, like fingerprints, light dust, or a small food smudge, do not require a full wash. Mix a couple of drops of mild liquid soap with cool water, dip a clean microfiber cloth, and wring it out until it is barely damp. Gently dab the soiled area instead of scrubbing, then wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue.

This approach protects the ultrasoft fabric and keeps the stuffing from getting soaked. It is also the fastest way to refresh a plush that mostly needs a surface clean. If the stain is greasy or has been there for days, you may need the deeper steps below.

• Common mistake: soaking the whole plush for a small spot, which can leave water marks and clump the fill.
• Checkpoint: if the cloth picks up color from the plush, stop and use less water.

Check the hangtag and hardware before any deeper cleaning

Every Squishmallow has its own name and bio on the hangtag, and that tag is also your best care reference. Look for washing symbols or wording that tells you whether the plush is surface wash only. If the tag is missing, treat the plush as surface wash only unless you are confident it has no clips, plastic parts, or fragile embroidery.

Plush with attached clips, like the University of Miami Sebastian the Ibis Plush Bundle, includes a 12-inch plush and a 3.5-inch clip. The clip should not go through a washing machine or dryer, so remove or hand-clean that piece separately. When in doubt, choose the gentler method.

• Common mistake: assuming all plush can be machine washed because the fabric feels sturdy.
• Checkpoint: if the tag says surface wash only, stop here and use the spot-clean method.

Pre-treat stains with a gentle, color-safe method

For a stubborn stain, apply a small amount of mild soap or a diluted color-safe stain remover directly to the spot. Let it sit for a few minutes, then dab with a cool, damp cloth. Work from the outside of the stain inward so you do not spread it. Avoid hot water, bleach, and harsh solvents, which can fade colors or break down the soft fibers.

If the stain does not lift after two gentle attempts, do not scrub harder. Overworking the fabric can pill it or pull the stitching. At that point, a professional cleaner is a safer choice than risking damage to a plush you love.

• Common mistake: rubbing aggressively, which pushes the stain deeper and roughs up the surface.
• Checkpoint: test any cleaner on a hidden seam first.

Follow safe squishmallow washing instructions if a full wash is needed

If the hangtag allows machine washing, place the plush inside a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag and close it securely. Use cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle with a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener and bleach, which can leave residue or damage the fill. Wash one or two plush at a time so they are not crushed.

For a hand-wash, fill a sink with cool water and a drop of mild soap, submerge the plush briefly, and gently squeeze the water through. Do not wring or twist. Rinse with cool water until no soap remains. This method gives you more control and is a good choice for plush with delicate details.

• Common mistake: using hot water or a normal cycle, which can shrink fabric or distort the shape.
• Checkpoint: if the plush feels heavy with water, support it with both hands when lifting.

Use drying tips that protect the soft fill

After washing, gently press the plush between two clean towels to remove excess water. Do not wring it. Air-dry it in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight and radiators. If you use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and check the plush every few minutes. High heat is the fastest way to make a Squishmallow feel stiff or matted.

While the plush is drying, gently reshape it with your hands. This helps the fill settle evenly. If the plush still feels damp after several hours, keep air-drying rather than adding heat. A completely dry plush is less likely to develop odors or mildew.

• Common mistake: putting a wet plush on a radiator or in direct sun, which can fade colors and harden fibers.
• Checkpoint: the plush is fully dry when the seams and center feel room temperature, not cool or damp.

Keep plush soft between cleanings

Regular care keeps a Squishmallow soft without frequent washing. Fluff it by hand after use, and store it in a clean, dry place rather than a damp basement or a hot car. If you display plush on a shelf, dust it weekly with a dry microfiber cloth or a soft brush. For deeper dust, a quick pass with a vacuum on the lowest setting and a brush attachment can help.

Rotate which plush you keep on the bed or couch so no single one gets flattened. If a plush has a clip or accessory, keep it attached only when in use, and store it separately to avoid scratches. These small habits add up to fewer deep cleans.

• Common mistake: storing plush in a sealed plastic bin while still damp, which traps moisture.
• Checkpoint: if a plush starts to smell musty, air it out first before washing.

Squishmallow care steps at a glance

1. Spot clean first: Dab with a damp cloth and mild soap, then wipe clean. Avoid soaking the whole plush for a small mark. Checkpoint: if the cloth picks up color, stop and use less water.
2. Read the hangtag: Follow the care symbols and remove clips or plastic parts before any washing. Checkpoint: if it says surface wash only, do not machine wash.
3. Pre-treat stains gently: Apply mild soap or color-safe remover, wait a few minutes, and dab from the outside in. Checkpoint: test on a hidden seam first.
4. Wash on cold and gentle: Use a pillowcase or mesh bag, cold water, and mild detergent. Never use bleach or fabric softener. Checkpoint: support the wet plush with both hands when lifting.
5. Dry low and slow: Press out excess water, then air-dry or tumble on the lowest heat. Reshape by hand while damp. Checkpoint: the plush is dry when the center feels room temperature.
6. Maintain between washes: Fluff by hand, dust weekly, and store in a clean, dry place away from heat and damp. Checkpoint: if it smells musty, air it out before washing.

Squishmallows care notes from our catalog

• 12-Inch Select Series C-3PO with Exposed Wires: Squishmallows are made with ultrasoft materials and make the perfect cuddly companion for long flights, comfy nights, and movie marathons. The ultrasoft fabric is exactly why you should spot clean first and avoid harsh heat, which can rough up the surface.
• University of Miami Sebastian the Ibis Plush Bundle: This bundle includes a 12-inch Sebastian the Ibis plush and a 3.5-inch Sebastian the Ibis plush clip. The clip should not go through a washing machine or dryer, so clean it by hand and keep the larger plush separate during washing.
• 8-Inch Buddy the Elf: Squishmallows are made with ultrasoft, high-quality materials and make the perfect cuddly companion for long flights, comfy nights, and Christmas movie marathons. High-quality ultrasoft fill responds well to gentle handling, but it can mat if you wring it or dry it on high heat.

A little gentle care goes a long way. Spot clean when you can, follow the hangtag when you cannot, and always dry with low heat. Your Squishmallows will stay soft, clean, and ready for the next movie marathon.