How to Care for Your Plush and Squishy Fidgets: Washing, Fluffing, and Storage Tips

Plush and squishy fidgets are some of the most comforting sensory tools you can own. Whether you use a weighted friend like Slugga the weighted Sand Filled Squishy by Kaiko or a glow-in-the-dark squeeze like Smoosho's Iceburg Glow Super Squeeze, these soft toys pick up dust, oils, and the occasional spill. With a little regular care, you can keep them feeling fresh and looking great for years.

This guide covers everything from spot-cleaning and machine washing to fluffing and proper storage. No matter if you have super fluffy pom poms or smooth silicone-filled squishies, these tips will help you maintain your collection without damaging the fabric or filling.

Check the Label Before You Wash

Before you toss any plush or squishy into the laundry, always check the manufacturer's care tag. Many sensory plush toys have removable covers or surface-wash-only instructions. For example, items with internal gel or sand fillings, like weighted squishies, should never go in a washing machine because the filling can clump or leak. Instead, spot-clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap.

For machine-washable plush, use a gentle cycle with cold water and place the toy inside a mesh laundry bag to protect the fabric. Avoid fabric softeners, which can break down synthetic fibers and reduce the softness of fluffy pom pom textures. Air-drying is always safer than using a dryer, as high heat can melt synthetic stuffing or warp the shape.

• Always test a small hidden area first when using a new cleaning product.
• For surface stains on non-washable squishies, try a baby wipe or a dab of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball.

How to Clean Squishy Toys Without Damaging Them

Squishy toys come in many materials: polyurethane foam, silicone, fabric with plastic beads, or sand-filled cloth. Each needs a different approach. Foam squishies are porous and can trap bacteria, so they benefit from an occasional gentle hand wash in cool water with a drop of dish soap. Squeeze the soapy water through the foam, rinse thoroughly, and press out excess moisture with a towel — never wring or twist.

Silicone squishies, like those in the Glow Sensory Reset Kit -Kaiko x Jellystone, are non-porous and much easier to clean. You can wash them with warm soapy water or even run them through the top rack of a dishwasher if they don't have electronic parts. Fabric-covered squishies, such as super fluffy pom poms, should be spot-cleaned with a soft brush and mild detergent to lift dirt without matting the fibers.

• For stubborn odors on foam squishies, sprinkle baking soda on the surface, let it sit overnight, then brush off gently.
• Never submerge weighted or electronic squishies in water.

Fluffing and Restoring Shape After Washing

After washing, plush and squishy fidgets can look flat or lumpy. To restore their original shape and softness, start by gently reshaping the toy while it's still damp. For fabric plush, use your fingers to pull and fluff the fibers in the direction they naturally lie. If the toy has a removable cover, you can toss the cover in the dryer on a no-heat or low-heat setting with a couple of clean tennis balls to help fluff it up.

For super fluffy pom poms and similar high-pile textures, a soft-bristle brush or a clean pet slicker brush works wonders. Gently brush the surface in small sections to lift the fibers. Avoid using a regular hairbrush, which can snag and pull threads. For weighted squishies like Slugga, a quick tumble in the dryer on air-fluff (no heat) can redistribute the sand filling if it has settled unevenly.

• If the toy has a squeaker or electronic component, remove it before any machine drying.
• Let silicone squishies air-dry fully on a towel to prevent water spots.

Storing Fidget Toys to Keep Them Clean and Accessible

How you store your plush and squishy fidgets directly affects how long they last. Direct sunlight can fade colors and degrade elastic fibers, while damp basements encourage mold. The best storage spot is a cool, dry place away from windows. For daily use, a breathable fabric bin or open basket lets you grab your favorite toy without digging through a pile that crushes delicate shapes.

If you have a larger collection, consider rotating your toys every few weeks so they all get equal use and rest. This is especially helpful for super fluffy pom poms, which can develop permanent creases if left under heavy objects. For travel, use a dedicated pouch or zippered bag — the XL Finger, Thumb & Toe Protectors set comes with a handy storage case that can double for small squishies. Avoid storing squishy toys in airtight plastic bags for long periods, as trapped moisture can cause mildew.

• Keep glow-in-the-dark squishies near a light source during the day so they charge properly for evening use.
• Store silicone and foam squishies separately from fabric plush to prevent lint transfer.

With just a few minutes of care per month, your plush and squishy fidgets can stay as soft, bouncy, and comforting as the day you got them. Whether you're spot-cleaning a delicate weighted friend or fluffing up a pom pom after a trip through the wash, these simple habits will extend the life of your sensory tools and keep them ready whenever you need a squeeze.