Squishy Toy Care: How to Clean and Store Your Squishies

In short: Keep squishies away from heat, sunlight and rough handling, dust them often, and spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild soap — never soak foam squishies. Stored cool, dry and un-squashed, a good squishy stays soft and satisfying for months.

A good squishy can stay soft, slow-rising, and satisfying for months — but only if you treat it right. Squishies are made of soft foam or silicone, and heat, sunlight, and rough handling are their enemies. The good news: looking after them is easy.

Here is how to clean and store your squishies so they keep their shape, colour, and satisfying squeeze.

How to Clean Squishies

Most squishies pick up dust, hand oils, and lint over time. Clean them gently:

1. Dust first. Brush off loose dust with a soft, dry cloth or a lint roller.
2. Spot-clean with mild soap. Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Gently wipe the dirty area — do not scrub hard, and do not soak the squishy.
3. Wipe with clean water. Use a second cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap.
4. Pat dry. Press gently with a towel. Do not wring or twist the squishy.

For silicone squishies, the same method works — they are a little more forgiving, but still avoid harsh scrubbing. Never put a squishy in the washing machine or dishwasher, and never use bleach, alcohol, or strong cleaning sprays. Harsh chemicals can break down the foam, strip the paint, and leave a chemical smell.

Drying the Right Way

After cleaning, let your squishy air-dry at room temperature, away from direct heat. If it looks a little squashed, gently reshape it with your hands while it is still slightly damp, then leave it alone — the foam will usually recover as it dries. Do not use a hair dryer, radiator, or direct sunlight to speed things up. Heat is the fastest way to ruin a squishy: it can warp the foam, crack the paint, and make the surface sticky.

How to Store Squishies

Storage is where most squishies slowly die. Follow these rules:

• Do not stack heavy things on them. A squishy left under a pile of books will stay dented. Give each squishy its own space, or store them loosely in a bin.
• Keep them cool and dry. A shelf or drawer at room temperature is ideal. Avoid attics, garages, and windowsills that get hot.
• Keep them out of direct sunlight. UV light fades paint and dries out foam over time.
• Keep them away from sharp objects. Keys, scissors, and pet claws can puncture foam, and a punctured squishy rarely recovers.
• Do not seal them in plastic bags long-term. Foam needs a little air. A breathable box, basket, or open shelf is better.

For collections, a display shelf away from the window is perfect — your squishies stay visible, dust-free, and in shape.

What Not to Do

• Do not pull, stretch, or twist a squishy hard — slow, gentle squeezes only.
• Do not bite or chew squishies. They are not food, and biting damages the surface.
• Do not leave squishies in a hot car.
• Do not use perfume, sunscreen, or hand sanitizer on them — chemicals stain and degrade the foam.

Travelling With Squishies

Taking a squishy on a trip? Pack it in a small pouch or a hard case so it is not crushed in your bag. Keep it away from sunscreen, snacks, and drinks — stains on foam are hard to remove. When you arrive, take it out and let it breathe for a few minutes before squeezing.

When to Retire a Squishy

Even with great care, squishies wear out. Retire one if the foam no longer rises back, the surface is cracking or crumbling, the paint is peeling in flakes, or it has developed a smell that does not go away after cleaning. Time for a replacement — our guide to choosing a squishy and our quality guide will help you pick a better one.

Keep Them Soft, Keep Them Happy

A little care goes a long way. Browse the Squishopia shop and the squishies collection — every squishy is quality-checked and shipped from Canada.