Do you have dirty squishmallow pillows? Here's how to wash squishmallows - based on the experience of a lot of parents!

Squishmallows are a super popular, super squishy stuffed animal that can be tiny or huge or anything in between.

Since Squishmallows are ultra-soft and fun to play with, your child may drag it everywhere and take it on all your adventures.

But if they do that, their Squishmallow is bound to get dirty.

Here's my complete guide on where to buy squishmallows.

These pillows are great - but it can be a bit confusing if they get dirty and you need to clean them.

Here's the best tips on how to wash squishmallows from users and the official Squishmallow recommendation.

What are squishmallows made from?

The fabric and filling of squishmallows are made from polyester.

Polyester gives them their soft feel but needs special instructions to wash.

Are squishmallows washable?

Yes, Squishmallows can be spot cleaned or completely washed in the washing machine.

Squishmallows range in size from small handheld ones to ones that might be bigger than your child. The size can make washing some in the washing machine easier than others.

Know that the Squishmallow brand itself says that you should not machine wash your toys, so you are taking a slight risk when doing this, but we have done it over and over again without issue.

Important of washing Squishmallows

Do you really need to wash your squishmallows? Well, that depends. If you sleep on it as a pillow - yes. If you take it outdoors or put it on the floor - yes. If it gets stained - yes. Otherwise, if it's mostly on display probably not!

What does squishmallow say is washing suggestions?

The official squishmallow tags usually say dry clean only or spot clean only.

So, do anything beyond that at your own risk. However, here's what TONS of parents say works best!

All of my squishmallow content:

Free printable Squishmallow washing guide

My 1 page PDF printable Squishmallow washing guide is available if you sign up below (FREE!) right click and you can save the image to your phone or computer!

How to spot clean squishmallows

Your best bet for spot cleaning squishmallows is using a spot remover pen, or a bit of detergent on a damp cloth.

Scrub at the spot, then rinse it off.

I am a little nervous about spraying stain remover on a squishmallow, as it might make a faded spot on the fabric. You can always test it in a discrete spot.

But, detergent is your safest bet and is very very unlikely to change the color of your toy.

How to wash squishmallows

Here is a step by step tutorial of how to wash squishmallows in the washing machine!

Supplies needed:

Squishmallow
Washing machine + dryer
Pillow case (for smaller squishmallows) or flat bed sheet for larger
Detergent of choice

Steps to wash squishmallows

STEP 1: Put Squishmallow in a pillow case

Put your squishmallow inside a pillowcase. If it's too big, put it in a flat bedsheet and tie the opposite corners to wrap it.

This keeps the squishmallow cushioned and out of direct contact with any washing material.

STEP 2: Wash on cold and gentle

Place it in the washer with your normal detergent on cold and gentle. Never wash on hot as it can melt the polyester material.

Adding bedding to the load with your squishmallows can help keep them from getting too squished or flattened!

This also spreads the whole wash mix around and protects your toy.

STEP 3: Tumble Dry on low and gentle

Leave the Squishmallow in the pillowcase and put it in the dryer on low and gentle, not hot. Never apply heat!

You can also let it air dry if you prefer.

Did I mention not to use heat at any time on a Squishmallow?

STEP 4: Fluff

Give it some hugs and squishes to fluff it back up. You may have to break up the stuffing a bit with your fingers to get it feeling fluffy again.

Your child would probably love to do this!

Can you wash Squishmallows with detergent?

Yes, use your normal detergent with Squishmallows!

Make sure to follow all the steps above to make sure you keep your Squishmallow protected during the wash.

How to wash a giant squishmallow

If your squishmallow can fit in the washing machine, clean it that way. If it is too big for a pillow case, wrap it in a bed sheet and tie in place to help to protect the delicate fabric.

If it is too big for the washer, all you can do it spot clean it or take it to a laundry mat with XL industrial washing machines.

Can you handwash Squishmallows?

Whether you don't have access to a washing machine or simply don't want to put your Squishmallow thru the ringer (ha!), you can always hand wash them. I suggest using the bathtub or a very deep sink. Rub down with detergent and then rinse out.

How to dry squishmallows

Never apply heat to a squishmallow as it can melt it. No iron or hot dryer! Dry on low and gentle or air dry instead.

Can you put Squishmallows in the microwave?

Can squishmallows go in the dryer?

You can dry squishmallows on low or gentle in a dryer. NEVER dry them on high heat as it can melt the fabric.

Don't let them sit around wet, either, because they can grow mold. If air drying, make sure to move the filling around every so often to get it dry evenly.

Remember to always prioritize the safety and well-being of the Squishmallow during the drying process. Avoid using high heat or direct heat sources, as they can potentially damage the fabric or cause the stuffing to clump.

Fan-assisted drying

If you want to speed up the drying process, you can use a fan to help circulate air around the Squishmallow. Place the Squishmallow in a well-ventilated area and position a fan nearby. Set the fan to a low or medium setting and allow the air to flow over the Squishmallow.

This method can help expedite drying while still avoiding heat that could potentially damage the fabric.

Hairdryer on cool setting

If you need to dry the Squishmallow quickly, you can use a hairdryer on the cool or low heat setting. Keep the dryer at a safe distance from the Squishmallow and move it around continuously to prevent concentrating heat on one spot.

Be sure to use the cool setting to avoid any risk of melting or damaging the fabric. Exercise caution and avoid using high heat.

Paper towel absorption

After washing, gently squeeze out excess water from the Squishmallow. Then, wrap the Squishmallow in clean, absorbent paper towels or a clean, dry towel.

Press down gently to allow the paper towels to absorb moisture from the Squishmallow. Replace the paper towels as needed until the Squishmallow is mostly dry.

Finish the drying process by air drying or using another method mentioned above.

Can squishmallows grow mold?

If squishmallows are left wet, especially very wet in a dark space, they can grow mold.

White vinegar can kill mold. Soak moldy spots with straight white vinegar, let sit one hour, and then wash as normal (and dry!).

You can also soak in a mixture of hot water + oxy clean and scrub the mold spots with a toothbrush. Then, wash as normal.

If the stuffing has mold in it, you will need to cut open along the big seam, re-stuff with fresh stuffing, and sew back up. This is obviously a bigger project and you need to have sewing skills.

However, you don't want your child playing with a moldy toy for lots of reasons. It may even be easier and more cost-effective to just buy a new Squishmallow.

Squishmallow storage

The best way to keep your Squishmallows in good shape is to store them properly when not in use. Store them in a clean, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight to prevent mold growth and fading!