Are Squishmallow Cat Beds Machine Washable?

Your cat loves their Squishmallow bed — but love gets messy. Fur, dander, the occasional muddy paw print. Before you throw it in the washing machine, read this. The official cleaning guidance from Jazwares is specific, and ignoring it can damage the very softness that makes these beds worth buying.

Official Cleaning Instructions: Spot Clean Only

The official guidance from Jazwares for all Squishmallow pet beds is spot clean only. This means:

• Damp cloth method: use a clean cloth dampened with cold or lukewarm water and a small amount of mild, pet-safe soap
• Address specific dirty areas only — don’t soak the entire bed
• Pat dry with a clean towel after spot cleaning
• Allow to air dry fully before returning it to your cat

Why spot clean only? The bolster rim is filled with polyester fiber stuffing that can clump, shift, or lose its shape when fully saturated with water. Machine washing also puts stress on the seams and can distort the character design embroidery.

Can You Hand Wash a Squishmallow Cat Bed?

Many cat owners report success with gentle hand washing, particularly for smaller beds (the 16-inch cave) where the entire bed can be submerged in a large sink or basin. Here’s the safest approach:

1. Fill a large sink or tub with cool water
2. Add a small amount of gentle, fragrance-free laundry detergent (Woolite or similar)
3. Submerge the bed and gently squeeze water through the fabric — no wringing or twisting
4. Drain and rinse thoroughly — soap residue can irritate cats’ skin
5. Press out excess water by rolling in a clean towel — never wring
6. Air dry flat — never hang, as this can distort the bolster shape

Allow 24–48 hours for complete air drying. Never use a heated dryer — high heat will damage the plush fabric and can melt the non-skid rubber base.

What Happens If You Machine Wash It?

While some owners take the risk, machine washing can cause:

• Bolster rim distortion — the cushioned border can lose its shape and won’t return to its original form
• Plush fabric pilling — the marshmallow-soft texture can become rough or matted
• Seam damage — stitching around the character design can loosen
• Non-skid base damage — heat and agitation can degrade the rubber backing

If you do machine wash (understanding the risk): use cold water, the delicate cycle, a mesh laundry bag, and air dry only — never tumble dry.

Step-by-Step Spot Cleaning Routine

7. Identify the dirty area — fur, stains, or odour spots
8. Dampen a clean cloth with cold water
9. Add a tiny drop of mild soap to the cloth (not directly to the bed)
10. Gently blot and rub the affected area in circular motions
11. Use a second clean damp cloth to rinse the soaped area
12. Pat dry with a dry towel
13. Allow to fully air dry before your cat uses it again

How Often Should You Clean Your Cat’s Bed?

• Light spot cleaning: every 1–2 weeks, or immediately after any visible soiling
• Deep spot clean or hand wash: monthly for most cats, more frequently for heavy shedders
• Fur removal: use a lint roller or pet hair remover brush weekly to prevent buildup

Tips for Keeping It Fresh Between Cleans

• Place a thin, washable blanket or liner inside the bed that can be removed and machine washed separately
• Use a pet-safe fabric refresher spray lightly misted from a distance
• Position the bed in a well-ventilated area away from damp spots to prevent mildew
• Vacuum the surface weekly with a soft brush attachment to remove loose fur and dander

Related Posts:

• What Is a Squishmallow Cat Bed?
• Which Squishmallow Cat Bed Should I Buy?
• Squishmallow Cat Bed vs. Regular Cat Bed
• How Do I Get My Cat to Use a New Squishmallow Bed?