How to Clean and Care for Squishy Toys

Squishy toys are handled often, so light surface cleaning can help keep them looking and feeling their best. The safest method depends on the material and the instructions that came with the product. Packaging guidance always takes priority over a general online guide.

Before you clean a squishy

Check the toy for tears, loose seams, punctures, or leaking filling. Do not squeeze or wash a damaged toy. Set it aside, keep it away from children and pets, and contact support if it arrived that way.

A gentle surface-cleaning method

1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Use a clean, soft cloth lightly dampened with cool or lukewarm water.
3. Wipe the outside without stretching seams or pressing water into openings.
4. Use a second dry cloth to remove moisture.
5. Let the toy air-dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated place.

Avoid soaking a squishy unless the manufacturer specifically says it is washable. Water can become trapped around seams, printed details, foam, or internal fillings.

What to avoid

• Do not use bleach, solvents, alcohol, or abrasive cleaners.
• Do not put squishies in a dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, microwave, freezer, or oven.
• Do not scrub printed faces or logos with a rough sponge.
• Do not use pins or sharp tools to remove marks.

Caring for different textures

Slow-rise foam

Foam squishies can pick up dust or lint. Use a light touch, avoid soaking, and allow plenty of air-drying time. Repeatedly folding a foam shape across the same seam can shorten its life.

Gel, glitter, and transparent toys

Clear skins make damage easier to see. Inspect the outer shell before every use and store the toy away from sharp objects. If the shell becomes sticky, cloudy, split, or starts leaking, stop using it.

Doughy sensory toys

Use clean, dry hands and keep the product away from fabric fibers, crumbs, and rough surfaces. Follow the branded packaging for any product-specific care instructions.

Storage tips

Store squishies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Give each toy enough room that hard packaging, zippers, or sharp-edged objects cannot press into it. For collectibles, keeping the original box can also help protect the product between uses.

When to replace a squishy

Normal wear is expected, but a sensory toy should be retired if it is torn, leaking, permanently sticky, or no longer closes safely around its filling. Questions about an order can be sent through the SquishyToys contact page.