How to Tell Whether a Squishy Is Damaged or Unsafe
Squishies don't come with a warning light. They usually look fine right up until the day they don't. The good news: a quick check-up every week or two can catch most problems early.
Grab your squishy, find some good light, and let's go. 🔦
Step 1: Look
Hold the squishy under a bright lamp or near a window and turn it slowly. Look for:
- Cracks or splits, especially along seams, corners and any spot you press often
- Pinholes, tiny dots where filling might escape
- Thin, see-through patches where the skin has been stretched a lot
- Colour changes, like cloudy, yellowed or darker areas
- Bubbles or bulges that weren't there before
- Loose decorations, like eyes or charms that are lifting
Tip: if your squishy is clear or jelly-filled, hold it in front of the light. Weak spots sometimes show up as lines or patches.
Step 2: Feel
With clean, dry hands, give it a gentle squeeze. Don't push hard to "test" it. You're checking, not trying to break it.
Notice whether:
- the surface feels oily, wet or greasy
- it's much stickier than it used to be, even after washing
- one area feels softer or thinner than the rest
- it feels gritty or lumpy in a way it didn't before
- your fingers come away with residue
Step 3: Smell
Bring it close to your nose. A faint "new toy" smell can be normal at first. A strong chemical smell, or one that suddenly appears on an older squishy, is not.
Step 4: Check the label
If you still have the packaging, look for:
- the maker's name and contact details
- an age grade
- safety warnings
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says missing maker information and missing warnings can be signs of a counterfeit. It's also worth searching the product on Health Canada's recalls site (here's how to check squishy recalls in Canada).
What the signs mean
| What you notice | What it could mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Tear, crack or pinhole | The skin has failed | Retire it |
| Leaking or wet surface | Filling is escaping | Retire it, wash hands |
| Oily or greasy feel | Damage, breakdown or a possible fake | Stop using it |
| Strong chemical smell | Possible fake or material problem | Stop using it |
| Discoloured patches | Material breaking down | Stop using it |
| Tears very easily | Thin or poor-quality skin | Retire it |
| A bit sticky, otherwise fine | Everyday dirt and hand oils | Wash gently |
| Slightly flatter or slower | Normal wear | Your call |
The CPSC lists many of these, including strong chemical odour, oily or unusually sticky surfaces, leaking, tearing easily, discolouration and deterioration, as warning signs.
What not to do
- Don't squeeze harder to see if it holds. That's how small tears become big ones.
- Don't heat it, freeze it or poke it to check what's inside.
- Don't patch it with tape or glue and keep using it. A patched squishy can leak without warning.
- Don't pass a damaged squishy down to a younger sibling.
How often to check
- Weekly if you squeeze it every day or carry it in your bag
- Right away if it was dropped on something sharp, chewed by a pet or left somewhere hot
- Before sharing it with younger kids
If it failed the check-up
Seal it in a bag and throw it out with household garbage, then wash your hands. Not sure if it's time? When Should You Throw Away a Squishy? helps you decide.
If filling got into someone's eyes or mouth, or was swallowed, call the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-844-764-7669 (24/7), or 911 in an emergency.
The bottom line
Look, feel, smell, check the label. Two minutes is all it takes to know whether your squishy is still good to squeeze.
At Space Pocket, you go through a quick inspection at pickup before you pay, so every squishy starts its life with you in good shape. Browse the Catalogue to find your next one.
This article is general information, not medical advice.
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