Your Squishable plush is more than just a toy—it's a cuddly companion that travels with you, sleeps in your bed, and sometimes gets a little dirty. Whether it's a dust bunny from the shelf or a spill from your afternoon snack, knowing how to safely machine wash your Squishable plush is essential for keeping it clean and huggable. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best practices for washing your Squishable in a washing machine, including pre-treatment, cycle selection, drying methods, and aftercare to restore its shape and softness.
Many plush owners worry that machine washing will ruin their beloved Squishable. But with the right approach, you can safely clean most Squishable plushies without damaging the fabric, stuffing, or stitching. We'll cover what you need to know about squishable washing machine settings, squishable cleaning tips, and squishable care instructions so you can refresh your plush with confidence. Let's dive into the step-by-step process.
Preparing Your Squishable for the Wash
Before you toss your Squishable into the machine, take a moment to prepare it properly. First, check the care tag attached to your plush—most Squishable plushies are machine washable, but it's always good to confirm. Remove any loose dirt or debris by gently brushing the surface with a soft brush or lint roller. If your Squishable has any removable accessories (like ribbons or tags), take them off to prevent tangling or damage during the wash cycle.
Next, inspect your plush for any small tears or loose seams. If you find any, mend them with a needle and thread before washing to avoid the stuffing coming out. Place your Squishable inside a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to protect it from snagging and to reduce friction. This step is especially important for plushies with delicate embroidery or appliqués, like the Squishable Rattlesnake or the Squishable Baby Axolotl, which have fine details that need extra care.
Squishable Baby Axolotl
- Always check the care tag for specific washing instructions.
- Use a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect your plush.
- Remove any detachable accessories before washing.
Choosing the Right Washing Machine Settings
When it comes to machine washing your Squishable, the key is to use a gentle cycle with cold water. Hot water can damage the fabric fibers and cause shrinkage, while a high-speed spin can distort the plush's shape. Select the 'delicate' or 'gentle' cycle on your machine, and set the water temperature to cold. Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent to avoid irritating the fabric or leaving residue. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners, as they can break down the plush's fibers and reduce its fluffiness.
For extra protection, you can add a small amount of white vinegar to the rinse cycle—this helps remove any lingering detergent and naturally softens the fabric. If your Squishable is particularly dirty, you can pre-treat stains with a gentle stain remover before washing. Remember, the goal is to clean without compromising the plush's integrity. For example, the Mini Squishable Penguin is small enough to wash easily, but even larger plushies like the Comfort Food Buttered Toast can handle a gentle machine wash if you follow these settings.
- Always use cold water and a delicate cycle.
- Skip bleach and fabric softener to preserve fabric quality.
- Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle for a gentle clean.
Drying Your Squishable the Right Way
Drying is the most critical step in the squishable washing machine process. Never put your Squishable in a tumble dryer on high heat—this can melt the synthetic fibers, cause shrinkage, and ruin the plush's shape. Instead, air drying is the safest method. After the wash cycle ends, remove your Squishable from the mesh bag and gently squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting. Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel, and roll the towel up to absorb more moisture.
Once most of the water is removed, reshape your Squishable by hand, fluffing the stuffing and smoothing out any lumps. Place it on a drying rack or a flat surface in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Allow it to dry completely, which may take 24 to 48 hours depending on the size. For faster drying, you can use a fan or a dehumidifier in the room. Avoid using a hairdryer, as concentrated heat can damage the fabric. If you must use a dryer, set it to 'air fluff' or 'no heat' and check frequently.
- Air dry your Squishable flat on a towel to preserve its shape.
- Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources during drying.
- Reshape the plush by hand while it's still damp.
Aftercare: Restoring Fluffiness and Shape
After your Squishable is completely dry, it may look a little flat or matted. Don't worry—this is normal. To restore its original fluffiness, gently brush the fabric with a soft-bristled brush or a pet slicker brush in the direction of the fibers. This will lift the pile and make the plush feel soft again. You can also give it a few gentle squeezes and shakes to redistribute the stuffing evenly.
If your Squishable has stubborn wrinkles or creases from being packed, you can lightly steam it using a handheld steamer held at a distance—never apply direct heat. Alternatively, place it in a bathroom during a hot shower to let the steam relax the fibers. For plushies with unique textures, like the Squish Manor: Mini Manor Ghost or the Alter Egos Series 9: Zombie Mushroom, be extra gentle during brushing to avoid disturbing any special details. With proper care, your Squishable will look and feel as good as new.
- Brush the plush gently with a soft brush to restore fluffiness.
- Use steam (from a distance) to remove wrinkles.
- Shake and squeeze the plush to redistribute stuffing.
When to Avoid Machine Washing Your Squishable
While most Squishable plushies are machine washable, there are exceptions. Plushies with electronic components, batteries, or sound boxes should never be machine washed. Similarly, if your Squishable has glued-on parts (like some eyes or accessories), hand washing is safer to prevent them from falling off. Always refer to the care tag—if it says 'spot clean only,' follow that instruction.
For heavily soiled or delicate plushies, consider hand washing in a sink with cold water and a small amount of detergent. Gently agitate the water, rinse thoroughly, and press out moisture with a towel. Hand washing gives you more control and is ideal for older or rare collectibles. For example, the Squishable Plague Nurse or unique items like the Squish Park: Snackers Lemonade may benefit from the extra care of hand washing to preserve their condition over time.
- Avoid machine washing plushies with electronics or glued parts.
- Hand wash delicate or heavily soiled plushies for better control.
- Always follow the care tag's recommendations.
Now that you know how to safely machine wash your Squishable plush, you can keep your entire collection clean, soft, and huggable for years to come. Remember to always use a gentle cycle, cold water, and air drying for the best results. Ready to give your favorite Squishable a fresh start? Check out the Squishable Baby Axolotl for a new addition to your cuddly family—it's adorable and easy to care for!
