How to Prevent Squishies from Bursting
A burst squishy is a sad squishy, and a messy one. 💥 The good news is that most bursts have a cause you can avoid. Protect your squishy, and you protect your hands, your clothes and your carpet too.
What actually makes squishies burst?
Think of a squishy's skin like a balloon that's built to stretch, but only so far. Bursts usually happen when the skin is weakened and then pushed too hard.
Things that weaken the skin
- Sharp stuff: nails, pencil tips, keys, zippers, scissors
- Heat: sun, hot cars, heaters, and especially microwaving
- Age and wear: lots of stretching in the same spot
- Chewing: by younger siblings or pets
- Harsh cleaners: alcohol, nail-polish remover, bleach
Things that push it too hard
- Extreme stretching: pulling as far as it can go
- Stepping or sitting on it
- Squeezing with tools, in doors or under heavy objects
- Throwing it hard against walls or floors
The fake factor
Not all squishies start out equally strong. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned that counterfeit squishies may tear easily during normal play. A squishy that splits after a few gentle squeezes may not be your fault at all. Buying from a seller you trust is one of the best ways to avoid bursts.
10 habits that help prevent bursts
- Squeeze, don't stab. Use your finger pads, not your nails.
- Stretch gently. If you like stretching, stop well before it looks thin or see-through.
- Mix up your grip. Don't always pinch the same corner or tip.
- Pouch it. Keep it away from keys and pencils in your bag.
- Keep it cool. No cars, windowsills, heaters or direct sun.
- Never heat or freeze it. Schylling says microwaving, heating or freezing NeeDoh products is dangerous and could cause injury.
- Keep it away from pets and toddlers. Store it up high.
- Clean it gently. Lukewarm water and mild soap only.
- Do a quick check every week or two for thin, cloudy or bulging spots.
- Retire it early. If you spot damage, stop using it before it bursts.
Know the warning signs
Squishies often "warn" you before they burst. Watch for:
| Sign | What it might mean |
|---|---|
| Thin, see-through or cloudy patch | The skin is wearing thin there |
| New bulge | Weak spot letting the filling push out |
| Tiny bit of filling on the surface | A pinhole leak has started |
| Oily or suddenly sticky feel | Possible damage or deterioration |
| Strong chemical smell | Possible deterioration or a poor-quality toy |
If you see any of these, stop squeezing it. Our full checklist is in How to Tell Whether a Squishy Is Damaged or Unsafe.
Never burst one on purpose
"Let's see what's inside" videos get a lot of views, but deliberately bursting, cutting or puncturing squishies isn't safe:
- fillings can be sticky and hard to clean off skin, hair, fabric and carpet
- filling can get in eyes or mouths, especially with younger kids around
- some fake squishies may contain water beads, which can expand if swallowed
Curious about what's inside a NeeDoh? Read What's Actually Inside a NeeDoh Squishy? instead. No mess required.
If a squishy does burst
Stay calm, keep little kids and pets away, wipe up the filling with paper towels, and wash hands well. If anyone swallowed filling or got it in their eyes, call the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-844-764-7669 (24/7), or 911 in an emergency. For a full clean-up guide, see What Happens If a Squishy Bursts?
Strong squishy, happy squisher
A little care goes a long way. Treat your squishy kindly, and it'll be around for a lot more squeezes.
At Space Pocket, you can inspect every item at pickup before you pay, so you start with a squishy in good shape. Browse the Catalogue to find your next one.
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