Quick answer
Use mild soap and warm water for routine cleaning, and a diluted bleach soak or boiling for deep disinfection — but only if your Squishie is solid silicone with no embedded parts.
Why silicone needs special care
Platinum-cure silicone, used in all Vulpini Design Squishies, is non-porous and body-safe, but its softness makes it vulnerable to harsh chemicals, high heat, and abrasive scrubbing. Using the wrong cleaner can permanently alter the surface feel or cause discoloration.
The firmness you choose — Extra-Soft, Soft, or Medium — affects how much pressure the toy can take during cleaning. Extra-Soft silicone is especially delicate and should never be scrubbed with a brush or abrasive sponge.
What to avoid at all costs
Never use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, acetone, or any solvent-based cleaner on your Squishie. These can break down the silicone polymer, leaving it sticky or tacky. Also avoid dishwashers, microwaves, and UV sanitizers — the heat or radiation can warp or discolor the toy.
If your Squishie has painted details or a matte finish, skip the boiling method. Boiling can dull surface textures or cause paint to peel. Stick to a gentle bleach soak instead.
Step-by-step cleaning process
- Rinse with cool to warm water: Hold your Squishie under running water (not hot) to remove surface dust and debris. Use your fingers to gently rub away any loose particles. Hot water can soften the silicone too much and make it harder to grip — stick to lukewarm or cool.
- Wash with mild soap: Apply a small drop of unscented, dye-free liquid soap (like castile soap or a toy cleaner) to your hands or a soft cloth. Gently massage the entire surface, paying attention to crevices or textured areas. Avoid antibacterial soaps with triclosan — they can leave a residue that attracts lint and dust.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse under running water until all soap is gone. Soap residue can cause stickiness or attract dirt over time. If the Squishie still feels slippery after rinsing, you missed some soap — repeat the rinse.
- Disinfect (optional — for deep cleaning): For a deep sanitize, submerge your Squishie in a solution of 1 part unscented bleach to 9 parts cool water for 10 minutes. Rinse very thoroughly afterward. Alternatively, boil the Squishie in water for 3 minutes — but only if it's solid silicone with no internal parts or paint. Do not boil Extra-Soft Squishies or any toy with painted details — use the bleach soak instead.
- Dry completely: Pat dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth, then let air-dry on a clean towel for at least 1 hour. Make sure no moisture remains in crevices before storage. Paper towels can leave fibers on soft silicone — always use a microfiber or cotton cloth.
Products mentioned in this guide
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The Sheath: Available in Extra-Soft, Soft, or Medium firmness; the manufacturer recommends Extra-Soft for packing or fidget use. Extra-Soft Squishies require the gentlest cleaning method — a mild soap rinse without any scrubbing or boiling.
The Sheath
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Rover's Snout: This squishy muzzle is made from platinum-cure silicone and comes in Extra-Soft, Soft, or Medium firmness. The textured nose area can trap debris; use a soft silicone brush or your fingers to gently work soap into crevices without damaging the surface.
Rover's Snout
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Heifer of Hayville: Handcrafted from body-safe platinum-cure silicone in five sizes from Mini to Extra-Large. Larger Squishies have more surface area and may need a longer soak in bleach solution to ensure full disinfection.
