How to Clean Squishy Toys (Without Ruining Them)

Squishy toys get squeezed, dropped, tossed in backpacks, and carried everywhere, so sooner or later they pick up dust, lint, and that slightly sticky feel. The good news: most squishies clean up easily if you use the right method for the material. The bad news: the wrong method (like a trip through the washing machine) can ruin one in minutes. Here's how to clean every type of squishy, fix stickiness, and keep them squishy for longer.

First, figure out what kind of squishy you have

Different squishies need different care, so start by identifying the material:

• Slow-rising foam squishies. The classic kind. They compress under a squeeze and slowly rise back to shape over a few seconds. Most of our squishy toys, like the Unicorn Moon Squishy and the Slow-Rising Squishy Watermelon, fall into this group.
• Silicone squishies. Smooth, soft, and a little stretchy, with a quicker bounce back. Our Cute Chick Squishy is made from soft silicone.
• Mochi-style squishies. Soft, stretchy, and smooth to the touch, like our Mochi Squishy Stress Ball. These tend to attract lint and pet hair.
• Filled squishies. Some squishies, including many of the viral "dumpling" and "butter" styles, have a gel, dough, or bead filling inside a stretchy outer skin. These need the gentlest care of all.

How to clean a slow-rising foam squishy

Foam acts like a sponge. It soaks up water fast and dries slowly, so the goal is to clean the surface without saturating it.

1. Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a tiny drop of mild dish soap.
2. Dab and wipe gently over the surface. Don't scrub hard, since rough rubbing can wear down the paint and the outer skin.
3. Wipe again with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap.
4. Press gently in a dry towel to absorb extra moisture. Don't wring or twist it.
5. Let it air dry completely at room temperature, out of direct sun. A foam squishy that got wet inside can take a day or more to dry all the way through.

A quick rinse under the tap is fine for light dust, but avoid soaking a foam squishy or holding it underwater. Water trapped inside the foam takes a long time to dry and can leave it smelling musty.

How to fix a sticky squishy

Slow-rebound foam can feel a bit tacky, especially in warm weather, and that tackiness is what makes lint and dust stick. It's normal for the material and not a defect. To make a squishy feel smooth again:

1. Clean it using the steps above and let it dry completely.
2. Sprinkle a small pinch of cornstarch into your palm.
3. Rub it lightly over the squishy, then pat or brush off the excess.

A light dusting goes a long way. Too much can leave a powdery film, so start small and add more only if you need it.

How to clean silicone and mochi-style squishies

Smooth, non-porous squishies are the easiest to clean because they don't absorb water.

1. Wash with warm water and a drop of mild soap, rubbing gently with your fingers.
2. Rinse well to remove all the soap.
3. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth (a regular towel can leave fuzz behind).
4. If it still grabs lint, dust it with a tiny bit of cornstarch once it's dry.

How to clean filled squishies

For squishies with gel, dough, or bead filling, stick to wiping the outside with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, then pat dry. Never poke, cut, or stretch them hard while cleaning. If the outer skin tears or the filling starts to leak, it's time to throw it away, especially if young kids or pets are around.

What not to do

• No washing machine or dishwasher. The tumbling and heat can tear foam and wash off paint.
• No dryer, hair dryer, or microwave. Heat can warp, melt, or damage squishies.
• No harsh cleaners. Skip bleach, alcohol, and strong chemicals. Mild soap and water do the job.
• No long soaks for foam squishies. Spot clean instead.

How to keep squishies clean and squishy longer

• Squeeze with clean hands. Lotion, food, and sticky fingers transfer straight onto the surface.
• Store them away from sunlight and heat. Sun and heat can fade colors and break down foam over time. A drawer, box, or zip bag works well.
• Keep them off the floor. Carpets and pet hair are lint magnets.
• Keep them away from pets. Dogs and cats often treat squishies like chew toys, and torn pieces can be a hazard.
• Rotate your collection. Giving a favorite squishy a break means less wear on any single one.

Why did my squishy stop slow rising?

Slow-rising foam naturally gets a little softer and faster with lots of use, and heat can speed that up. There's no reliable way to restore the original slow rise, but gentle squeezing, cool storage, and keeping foam squishies dry all help them last longer. If a squishy tears, retire it rather than patching it, since small pieces can break off.

Related reading

• What Is a Squishy Toy? How They Work and Why They're So Satisfying
• How to Choose a Squishy Toy: Styles & Sizes Compared
• Squishy Toys vs. Other Fidget Toys: Which Type Fits You?
• 10 Cutest Food-Shaped Squishy Toys (Milk Cartons, Donuts, and More)

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