How to Clean & Care for Your Slow-Rising Squishies

October 20, 2026

You just unboxed a new slow-riser and it's already your favorite thing in the room — squishy, slow, and impossibly satisfying. But what happens when it picks up dust, gets a little sticky, or develops a faint smell straight out of the package? Don't panic. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your squishies in top shape.

Is the Tackiness or Scent Normal?

Yes — almost always. Brand-new slow-rise squishies are made from open-cell polyurethane foam, and it's completely normal to notice:

Light tackiness: Fresh foam has a slight surface stickiness. This fades with regular handling and a light dusting of cornstarch (more on that below).
A faint chemical or foam scent: Most squishies off-gas a mild odor during their first few days. Leave the squishy in a well-ventilated area (not sealed in a bag) for 24–48 hours and the smell typically clears up on its own.

If either issue persists beyond a week of normal use, reach out to us — we want you happy with every order.

How to Clean a Squishy (Supplier-Verified Steps)

Slow-rise foam is delicate. Harsh chemicals, abrasive cloths, or soaking can damage the foam structure and ruin that satisfying slow rise. Follow these gentle steps instead:

Dampen (don't soak) a soft cloth. Use plain lukewarm water. Microfiber cloths work great.
Add a tiny drop of mild hand soap — dish soap or baby soap is fine. Avoid anything with alcohol, bleach, or heavy fragrance.
Gently wipe the surface in small circular motions. Don't scrub hard or press the foam in while it's wet.
Rinse the cloth thoroughly and wipe the squishy again with plain water to remove any soap residue.
Pat dry with a clean dry cloth — do not rub.

Never submerge a squishy in water or run it under a faucet. The foam absorbs water and can lose its slow-rise properties if it gets soaked.

Drying Your Squishy Properly

After cleaning, let your squishy air dry completely before squishing or storing it:

Place it on a clean, dry surface at room temperature.
Keep it out of direct sunlight — UV exposure can cause color fading and foam degradation over time.
Do not use a hair dryer or place it near a heat source. Heat can cause the foam to stiffen permanently.
Allow at least 1–2 hours of drying time, longer for larger squishies.

Fixing Surface Tackiness

If your squishy still feels sticky after drying, this simple trick works well:

Put a small pinch of plain cornstarch (or unscented baby powder) in your palm.
Gently roll the squishy in your hands to coat the surface lightly.
Buff away the excess with a soft, dry cloth.

This restores a smooth, matte finish without harming the foam. Do this as often as needed.

Storage Tips to Extend the Life of Your Squishies

How you store your squishies matters almost as much as how you clean them:

Store flat or loosely — don't stack heavy items on top of squishies or cram them into a tight container. Compressed foam can permanently lose its slow-rise ability.
Keep them in a cool, dry place away from humidity, heat vents, and direct sun.
Use an open container or mesh bag rather than a sealed bag. Squishies need a little airflow.
Display collections on a shelf where they can breathe — this also lets you appreciate them daily, which is the whole point.

When to Stop Using a Damaged Squishy

Even with great care, squishies don't last forever. It's time to retire one when:

The foam no longer rises after being compressed — this means the cell structure has broken down.
There are visible tears, cracks, or crumbling on the surface or edges.
Paint or coating is flaking off in pieces.
Persistent mold or discoloration appears after cleaning.

Damaged squishies with crumbling foam or flaking paint should not be used, particularly by younger children. When in doubt, replace it with a fresh one.