Why Is My Squishy Sticky?
Your squishy used to feel smooth, and now it grabs every bit of fluff in the room. Sound familiar? Stickiness is one of the most common squishy problems, and most of the time it's easy to fix.
Why squishies get sticky
1. Hand oils and dirt
Every time you squeeze, a little oil and dirt from your skin ends up on the squishy. Over time, that builds up into a tacky layer.
2. Dust and lint
Soft, stretchy skins naturally attract dust, hair and lint, especially if the squishy lives in a pocket or backpack.
3. Heat
Warm temperatures can make the surface of some squishies feel softer and stickier. A squishy left in a sunny window or warm car may feel extra tacky.
4. Age and wear
After a lot of squeezing, the skin can start to break down a little, and a well-loved squishy might get stickier over time.
5. Leaking
Sometimes stickiness comes from inside: a tiny tear can let filling seep out.
How to fix it
Before you start: check the package or the maker's website for care instructions. If they say something different from the tips below, follow the maker.
Gentle wash
- Wash your hands first.
- Fill a bowl with lukewarm (not hot) water and a drop of mild dish soap.
- Gently rub the squishy's surface with your fingers. Don't soak it for a long time.
- Rinse with clean, lukewarm water.
- Pat dry with a lint-free cloth and let it air-dry at room temperature.
A light dusting
Some squishy fans lightly dust a clean, dry squishy with a little cornstarch to cut down tackiness. Use only a tiny amount, then gently brush off the extra. Don't do this if the squishy is torn.
What NOT to do
- ❌ Hot water
- ❌ Hair dryers, heaters or the microwave
- ❌ The freezer
- ❌ Alcohol, nail-polish remover or strong cleaners
- ❌ Scrubbing brushes or rough sponges
When stickiness is a warning sign
Stop using the squishy if it:
- feels oily or wet
- has a strong chemical smell
- is leaking or has a tear
- got sticky very fast after you bought it
Safety agencies list oily, unusually sticky and leaking squishies as signs a toy may be damaged or may be a counterfeit.
How to keep it from getting sticky
- Squeeze with clean hands
- Store it in a clean, closed container or zip bag
- Keep it at room temperature, away from sun and heat
- Give it a gentle wash every so often
More tips in How to Clean Your NeeDoh Without Damaging It.
Sources