Can You Wash Squishmallows in the Washer and Dryer?

You finally get that plush you’ve been eyeing, only to drop a coffee stain on its fluffy head. The tiny tag says “spot clean,” but that won’t touch a full spill. Now you’re wondering if the washing machine will turn your soft friend into a flat, sad pancake. It’s a common fear among Squishmallow owners.

The short answer is yes—many third‑party care guides say machine washing works if you follow a few rules. The trickiest part is drying: high heat can ruin the shape. This article covers both washer and hand‑washing methods, plus the safest drying options, so your Squishmallow stays pillowy.

Machine Washing Your Squishmallow: Step by Step

Start by placing the plush inside a mesh laundry bag or an oversized pillowcase tied shut. This protects the fabric from snagging on machine parts. Add a couple of soft towels or similar items to cushion the toy during the cycle.

Set your machine to the gentle cycle with cold water—never hot, which can make the outer fabric stiff. Use a mild detergent and skip bleach or fabric softener. When the cycle finishes, resist the urge to toss it into a hot dryer immediately.

Large and jumbo Squishmallows usually don’t fit well in a standard drum. For those sizes, hand washing is the safer approach. Stick to the washer only for toys that move freely with plenty of padding.

Why People Worry About Washing Squishmallows

Squishmallows have a unique polyester filling that gives them that marshmallow feel. Many owners fear the machine will flatten them, fade colors, or cause tears. Here are the most common concerns and what the guides recommend.

• Loss of shape: Heat from a dryer is the main culprit. Air drying or a no‑heat air‑fluff cycle preserves the filling.
• Color bleeding: Cold water and a short gentle cycle reduce this risk. Wash with similar colors for extra safety.
• Snagging and tears: A mesh bag or pillowcase shields the surface from zippers and agitators.
• Not cleaning evenly: Cushioning with other soft items helps detergent reach every part of the toy.
• Shrinkage: Hot water can cause the fabric to contract. Stick to cold water every time.

Taking these precautions, most owners find their Squishmallows come out just as soft and bright as before. The key is adjusting your method to the toy’s size and fabric.

Washing Squishmallows: Washer and Dryer Considerations

When you do use the washer, water temperature is the most critical setting. According to Sheetslaundryclub’s gentle cycle cold water guide, cold water protects both the fabric and the colors. Hot water can permanently damage the plush’s soft texture.

Drying is where advice splits. The Spruce warns that any heat can distort the shape and damage the material. Toynk Toys, on the other hand, says a low‑heat or no‑heat air‑fluff setting is acceptable if you monitor it carefully. Most guides agree that air drying remains the safest bet—just allow a full day for it to dry completely.

For a deeper clean, machine washing is more thorough. For light dust or a quick refresh, hand washing is gentler. Choose based on how dirty the toy is and whether it fits comfortably in your machine.

Using the right method for each size keeps your Squishmallow looking new and feeling soft. Next, let’s look at the hand‑washing steps in detail.

Hand Washing Your Squishmallow: When and How

Hand washing is the safest route for delicate, extra‑large, or heavily decorated Squishmallows. It also works well for a quick spot‑clean. Gather warm water, mild detergent, a soft cloth or brush, and a dry towel before you start.

1. Prepare the bath: Fill a sink or bucket with warm water, add a small squirt of mild detergent, and swirl to mix. Avoid hot water.
2. Gently scrub: Use a soft cloth or a soft‑bristled brush to clean the surface. Work on stained areas with light pressure—don’t rub hard.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill with clean warm water. Squeeze and press the plush to remove all detergent, then rinse again until no suds appear.
4. Remove excess water: Press the Squishmallow between dry towels to absorb moisture. Never wring or twist, which can clump the filling.
5. Air dry fully: Place on a clean towel or drying rack in a well‑ventilated area. Fluff occasionally to restore shape. Drying may take up to 24 hours.

Hand washing gives you complete control over pressure and water temperature. For most owners, it’s the best compromise between cleanliness and preserving that signature marshmallow feel.

Drying Squishmallows: What the Experts Say

Drying is the make‑or‑break step for any Squishmallow cleaning routine. The heat can cause the polyester filling to clump or melt, leading to permanent distortion. The Spruce’s avoid dryer distortion guide explains why air drying is the most cautious recommendation.

Some sources, like Toynk Toys, say a low‑heat or no‑heat air‑fluff cycle is acceptable if you need a faster option. If you try this, use the lowest heat setting or air fluff only, and check the toy every ten minutes. Never use high heat or a timed dry cycle.

Air drying remains the safest approach. Place the Squishmallow on a clean towel, reshape it gently, and flip it every few hours to speed evaporation. Avoid hanging it, as gravity can stretch the fabric over time.

The Bottom Line

Squishmallows can go in the washer on a gentle cold cycle with a mesh bag for protection. Avoid high‑heat drying—air drying is the safest and most reliable method. For large or delicate plush, hand washing with warm water and mild detergent is the better choice. These third‑party recommendations align with typical owner experiences, but your toy’s care label is the final authority.

Before washing, check the sewn‑in tag inside your Squishmallow for any specific warnings—embroidered or limited‑edition versions sometimes need extra care.