Imagine this – you’ve just finished washing your Squishmallow… It’s sparkling clean, but how do you dry them?
In this post, I’ll explain if Squishmallows can go in the dryer, some of the dangers that drying Squishmallows can cause, and much more. Let’s dig in!
Can Squishmallows Go in the Dryer?
The short answer is yes, they can.
The long answer is – no, they shouldn’t.
Confusing, right?
Squishmallows, despite their plush and robust exterior, aren’t meant to withstand the high heat or tumbling of a traditional dryer. The heat can damage the soft fabric that Squishmallows are made of, causing it to become rough or even start to pill, which isn’t fun for little hands to touch. Not only can the texture change, but it can also cause the inner stuffing to clump together, transforming a previously huggable Squishmallow into a lumpy, less-squishy version of its former self.
If you do opt to use the dryer, be sure to use the lowest heat setting to ensure your Squishmallow stays soft and squishy.
What Happens If You Put Squishmallows in Dryer?
If you put Squishmallows in the dryer, you run the risk of having them shrink and and change the texture.
This will depend on the heat level of your dryer and how damp your pillow is.
If you want something more durable, I recommend one of these Squishmallow alternatives.
How to Dry Squishmallows
1. Air Dry
This is the best way to dry your Squishmallow to keep it safe.
Let your Squishmallow air dry in a well-ventilated area, but keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading. You can speed up the process by placing it near a fan or a dehumidifier.
Air drying will take around 24 hours, but this will ensure your pillow keeps its softness and shape. You can also place your Squishmallow on a drying rack to speed up the process.
Pros:
- Gentle: Air drying is the gentlest method for drying Squishmallows. It doesn’t involve heat or rough handling, ensuring the plush fabric and stuffing remain intact.
- No Special Equipment Needed: Air drying doesn’t require any special tools or appliances. All you need is a clean, well-ventilated space.
- Energy Efficient: As it doesn’t require the use of electricity, air drying is energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Air drying can take quite a long time, especially for larger Squishmallows. Depending on the size and the room’s humidity, it could take anywhere from a day to a few days.
- Space-Consuming: Air drying requires space. If you’re drying multiple Squishmallows at once, you might run out of room.
2. Towel Dry
After washing, gently roll your Squishmallow in a towel to remove excess water. Avoid wringing it out, as this can disrupt the filling inside and cause it to lose shape.
Pros:
- Fast: Towel drying helps to remove a significant amount of water from the Squishmallow quickly.
- Controlled: You can control the pressure and areas you’re drying, ensuring that the Squishmallow isn’t handled too roughly.
Cons:
- Doesn’t Fully Dry: While towel drying can remove a lot of water, it doesn’t completely dry the Squishmallow. You’ll still need to air dry it afterward.
- Risk of Rough Handling: If not done gently, towel drying can be a bit rough on the Squishmallow, potentially causing the stuffing to clump or the fabric to pill.
3. Drying with a Fan
If you want to speed up the air-drying process, you can use a fan. Position the fan to blow air over the Squishmallow but not directly at it to avoid condensing the stuffing. The increased airflow will help the Squishmallow dry faster.
Pros:
- Faster than Air Drying: A fan speeds up the drying process by circulating air around the Squishmallow.
- Gentle: Using a fan is still a gentle method compared to heat drying as it doesn’t alter the fabric or stuffing.
Cons:
- Requires Electricity: Unlike air drying, using a fan consumes electricity.
- Requires Monitoring: You’ll need to turn the Squishmallow periodically to ensure all sides dry evenly. Also, you should ensure the fan isn’t blowing directly on the Squishmallow to avoid condensing the stuffing.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your Squishmallow clean is certainly a challenge
So, can Squishmallows go in the dryer?
While they technically can, I strongly advise against it. It’s best to let these pillows air dry or use a fan for the best results.
KidSpaceStuff is a site dedicated to helping parents find the best interior design, activities, and inspiration for their kids.
