How to Clean a Taba Squishy

Taba squishies are soft, slow-rising toys that collect dust, lint, and grime from your hands. Regular cleaning keeps them looking fresh and feeling smooth. You only need a few household items, and the process takes about 10 minutes plus drying time.

What You’ll Need

Lukewarm water (not hot)
Mild dish soap or hand soap (no bleach, alcohol, or strong detergents)
Soft cloth or sponge
Clean towel
Optional: small bowl for mixing soapy water

Step-by-Step

Prepare the soapy water. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Mix gently until suds form. Avoid hot water—it can damage the squishy’s material.
Wipe the surface. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water, wring it out well, and gently wipe the entire surface of the Taba squishy. Use small circular motions to lift dirt and stains. Do not submerge the squishy in water; the inside may absorb moisture and lose its squishiness.
Rinse the cloth and wipe again. Rinse the cloth under clean lukewarm water, wring it out, and wipe the squishy again to remove any soap residue. Repeat if needed until no suds remain.
Pat dry with a towel. Use a clean, dry towel to gently pat the squishy and absorb excess moisture. Do not rub or twist, as that can stretch or tear the material.
Air-dry completely. Place the squishy on a dry towel or a wire rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Let it air-dry for several hours or overnight. Ensure it is completely dry before using or storing it.

Common Mistakes

Submerging the squishy in water—this can cause the filling to absorb water and ruin the texture.
Using hot water or a dryer—heat can melt or deform the squishy.
Scrubbing with abrasive pads—these can scratch or tear the surface.
Skipping the rinse step—soap residue can attract more dirt and make the surface sticky.
Storing while damp—this can lead to mold or mildew.

Tips

Clean your Taba squishy once a month or whenever it looks dirty.
For stubborn stains, apply a tiny drop of dish soap directly to the spot and gently rub with your fingertip before wiping.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for textured areas, but brush very gently.
Keep the squishy away from dusty areas when not in use—store it in a drawer or a small pouch.
If the squishy has a scent, you can add a drop of essential oil to the rinse water, but make sure it’s skin-safe and won’t irritate.

Troubleshooting

Squishy feels sticky after cleaning: You likely left soap residue. Wipe again with a damp cloth and air-dry thoroughly.
Squishy is misshapen: Gently reshape it with your hands while it’s still damp, then let it dry in the correct shape.
Squishy got wet inside: Squeeze out excess water gently, reshape, and dry for a longer time. It may lose some squishiness but should still be usable.
Stain won’t come off: Try a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe clean. Test on a hidden area first.
Squishy has a foul odor: Rinse with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, then rinse again with plain water. Dry completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my Taba squishy in the washing machine?

No, machine washing is too harsh and can damage the material. Hand cleaning is always safer.

How often should I clean my Taba squishy?

Clean it every few weeks if you use it regularly, or when it looks dusty or dirty.

Can I use baby wipes to clean it?

Yes, baby wipes are gentle and convenient for quick cleanups, but they may not remove deep stains. Follow with a dry cloth.

Will cleaning make my squishy less squishy?

No, if you avoid submerging it and use lukewarm water, it should retain its squishiness. Over-wetting or heat can cause damage.

Can I use alcohol or disinfectant wipes?

It’s best to avoid alcohol as it can dry out or degrade the material. Stick to mild soap and water.

How do I dry it quickly?

Pat it with a towel and place it in front of a fan on low speed. Never use a hairdryer or radiator.

Sources: Taba Toy Care Guide. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.