Can I Put My Squishmallow in the Washer? A Safe, Step-by-Step Guide

Your kid’s favorite plush has been dragged across the kitchen floor, slept on for months, and survived at least one juice spill. So can I put my Squishmallow in the washer without ruining that signature marshmallow squish? The short answer is yes, but only if you treat it gently. These plush toys are filled with a fine polyester foam that compresses and clumps if you’re rough with it, so the difference between a clean Squishmallow and a lumpy, lopsided one comes down to a few simple choices.

Are Squishmallows Machine Washable?

Squishmallows are made from a soft spandex-and-polyester outer shell with a polyester fiber and foam blend inside. The manufacturer (Kellytoy) officially recommends spot-cleaning for most situations, and many care tags suggest surface cleaning only. That said, plenty of owners successfully machine-wash them. The real risk isn’t the water — it’s the agitation and heat, which can break down the fill, mat the plush texture, and leave the toy misshapen.

If the toy is only lightly dirty, skip the machine entirely. A damp cloth with a drop of mild soap will lift most surface marks. Reserve full washing for plushes that are genuinely grimy, smell sour, or have been exposed to germs after an illness.

Before You Wash: Check the Tag

Every Squishmallow has a sewn-in care label. Read it first. Some larger or specialty editions, plus any with glued-on features, sequins, or electronic squeakers, should never go in the machine. Look for these red flags:

• Glued eyes, noses, or appliques (water loosens adhesive)
• Sequins or “reversible flip” sequin panels
• Any battery compartment or sound module
• Visible tears or loose seams that could split open mid-cycle

If your plush has any of these, spot-clean only. Repair small seam tears with a needle and thread before washing so the fill doesn’t escape.

How to Machine Wash a Squishmallow Safely

When the tag allows it and the toy is sturdy, follow this method to protect the fill:

1. Bag it. Place the Squishmallow inside a zippered mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase tied shut. This buffers it from the drum and keeps seams from snagging.
2. Go cold and gentle. Set your machine to the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water (around 60–80°F). Hot water can shrink the shell and degrade the foam.
3. Use mild detergent. A small amount of a free-and-clear or baby-safe detergent works best. Skip bleach, fabric softener, and harsh stain removers, which can discolor the fabric or leave residue.
4. Slow the spin. Choose the lowest spin speed available. High-speed spinning forces the fill to one side and creates permanent lumps.
5. Add a balance load. Toss in a couple of towels so the plush isn’t bouncing alone against the drum.

Front-loading machines are gentler than top-loaders with a center agitator. If you only have an agitator-style washer, hand-washing in the sink is the safer call.

Hand-Washing as a Gentler Alternative

For sentimental or delicate Squishmallows, hand-washing gives you full control. Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water and a teaspoon of mild detergent. Submerge the toy and gently squeeze the suds through it — don’t wring or twist, which distorts the fill. Press, don’t scrub. Drain, refill with clean cool water, and squeeze again to rinse until no soap remains. Press the excess water out by rolling the plush in a dry towel.

Drying Without Wrecking the Squish

This is where most people go wrong. Heat is the enemy of that soft, springy texture. Air-drying is strongly preferred. Lay the Squishmallow flat on a clean, dry towel in a well-ventilated spot, and reshape it by hand every few hours so the fill redistributes evenly as it dries. Fluff and “massage” the foam periodically to keep it from clumping.

Depending on the size, full air-drying can take 24 to 48 hours, so plan around bedtime. If you absolutely must use a dryer, choose the no-heat air-fluff or air-only setting, place the toy inside a pillowcase, and add a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to keep the fill from compacting. Never use medium or high heat — it can melt or pill the polyester shell and permanently flatten the foam.

Spot-Cleaning for Everyday Messes

Most stains don’t require a full wash. For everyday spots, mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a cup of cool water, dip a soft cloth, and dab the stain from the outside in. Blot with a clean damp cloth to rinse, then pat dry. For odors, sprinkle baking soda over the surface, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, and brush or vacuum it off. This keeps the plush fresh between deeper cleans and is far gentler on the fill.

Removing Common Stains

Different messes call for different fixes, and treating the stain before a full wash improves your odds. For food and drink spills, blot up the excess immediately and dab with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water. For grease or oily marks, a tiny amount of dish soap worked gently into the spot lifts the oil. Ink and marker are tougher — a damp cloth and patience help, but accept that some stains may not fully disappear from the soft fabric. Always test any cleaner on a hidden seam first, and never scrub aggressively, which mats the plush nap and creates a permanent fuzzy patch.

Sanitizing After Illness

When a child has been sick, you’ll naturally want to disinfect their favorite plush. Skip harsh disinfectant sprays and bleach, which can discolor the fabric and irritate skin. Instead, a gentle cold-water machine wash with mild detergent, followed by thorough air-drying, removes the vast majority of germs. Sunlight during air-drying adds a mild natural sanitizing boost. If the toy is too delicate to wash, sealing it in a plastic bag and placing it in the freezer for 24 to 48 hours can help reduce dust mites and surface germs without water.

Keeping Your Squishmallow Clean Longer

A little prevention cuts down on washing altogether. Keep plushes off the floor and away from food and pets when possible. Wash hands before long cuddle sessions during cold and flu season. Give the toy a quick weekly shake and surface wipe, and store it somewhere dry — damp closets invite mildew and musty smells.

So, can I put my Squishmallow in the washer? Yes — with a mesh bag, cold water, mild detergent, a slow spin, and patient air-drying, your plush comes out clean and still perfectly squishy. When in doubt, spot-clean first and save the machine for the messes that truly need it.