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A brand-new squishy usually smells because of a faint "new material" scent left over from manufacturing — this is normal, harmless, and airs out within a day or two. The quick fix is simple: unwrap it, leave it in a ventilated spot, and let fresh air do the work. The important exception is a strong, sharp chemical or solvent smell that does not fade. That is a red flag for low-grade material, and a squishy like that should be set aside rather than squeezed and sniffed all day. Below we explain why squishies smell, how to de-smell one safely, and how to avoid the problem entirely when you buy.
Why a new squishy has a scent
Squishies are made from soft polymers — most commonly PU (polyurethane) foam for slow-rising toys, or TPR gel for zero-bounce-back toys. During molding, curing, and packaging, tiny amounts of residual material and processing scent get sealed inside the plastic wrap. When you open the package, that trapped smell is released all at once, which is why it seems strongest in the first few minutes.
A well-made, reputable squishy is non-toxic and phthalate-free, and its light scent is faint and fades quickly. Think of it like the smell of a new pair of sneakers or a fresh beach ball — noticeable at first, gone before long. If your squishy fits that description, there is nothing to worry about. Give it some air and it will settle.
Normal scent vs. a red-flag smell
The single most useful skill is telling a harmless "new" scent apart from a warning sign. Use this quick comparison:
| Signal | Normal new-material scent | Red-flag chemical smell |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Faint, mild, easy to ignore | Sharp, harsh, makes you wince or step back |
| Character | Soft "plasticky" or rubbery note | Solvent, paint-thinner, gasoline, or burnt-plastic note |
| How long it lasts | Airs out in about 1–2 days | Still strong after airing for several days |
| What to do | Air it out and enjoy | Stop using it; low-grade PU can off-gas solvents |
If your squishy lands in the right-hand column, trust your nose. A lingering solvent smell usually means cheaply cured, low-quality material, and no amount of airing will truly fix it. For more on separating trustworthy toys from suspect ones, see our guide on how to spot a fake or toxic squishy.
How to de-smell a squishy (step by step)
For a normal new-material scent, these gentle methods clear it out without damaging the toy:
- Air it out. Take the squishy out of any bag or box and set it in a well-ventilated spot — near an open window or in a breezy room. Airflow is the single best de-odorizer. Most scents fade noticeably within 24–48 hours.
- Use baking soda overnight. Place the squishy in an open container or paper bag next to a small dish of baking soda and leave it overnight. Baking soda absorbs odors from the surrounding air. Keep the baking soda beside the toy, not rubbed onto it.
- Give it a gentle wipe. Lightly wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth and a tiny bit of mild soap, then pat dry. For foam squishies, wipe only — never soak them. For our full method, read how to clean a squishy.
- Repeat if needed. A stubborn-but-still-mild scent may take a second night of airing. That is fine, as long as the smell is fading each day rather than staying sharp.
What NOT to do
Some popular "hacks" make things worse or are simply unsafe. Skip these:
- Don't mask it with perfume or fragrance oils. Spraying perfume or essential oils onto a squishy just layers scents, can leave a sticky residue, and may break down the material over time.
- Never use heat. Do not microwave, bake, blow-dry, or set a squishy in direct sun to "cook out" the smell. Heat can warp, melt, or degrade the material — and never microwave, heat, or freeze a squishy for any reason.
- Don't soak foam squishies. PU foam absorbs water like a sponge and can trap moisture inside, leading to mildew and a worse smell. Wipe, don't submerge. Sealed gel toys can be rinsed, but foam cannot.
- Don't keep squeezing a solvent-smelling toy. If the chemical smell is strong and lasting, airing won't fix the underlying material. Set it aside instead of using it daily.
How to avoid smelly squishies when you buy
The best fix is prevention. A little care at checkout means you rarely deal with odor at all:
- Buy from a reputable, clearly labeled seller. Look for listings that name the material (PU foam, TPR gel, silicone) and state that the toy is non-toxic and phthalate-free.
- Read reviews for smell comments. Real buyers will mention a lasting chemical odor. A pattern of complaints is a reliable warning.
- Prefer sealed, quality packaging. Good packaging protects the material; suspiciously cheap, unlabeled bulk toys are more likely to off-gas.
- Consider the material. Silicone squishies are premium and the easiest to clean and keep fresh, while quality TPR gel and PU foam from trusted makers stay mild.
If you want a deeper walkthrough of materials, safety, and what to look for, our squishy buyer's guide covers it all. And if you're deciding between spring-back foam and dent-holding gel, our comparison of zero-bounce-back vs. slow-rising squishies explains how each type feels and cares differently.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use a squishy that smells?
A squishy with a faint new-material scent is fine to use — just air it out for a day or two and the smell fades. But if it has a strong, lasting solvent or chemical odor that doesn't improve after airing, treat that as a red flag for low-grade material and stop using it rather than continuing to handle it daily.
How long does it take for a squishy smell to go away?
A normal new-material scent usually airs out within about 24 to 48 hours in a ventilated spot. Sitting the squishy beside a dish of baking soda overnight speeds it up. If the smell is still sharp and strong after several days of airing, the material itself is the problem and airing won't resolve it.
Why does my squishy smell like chemicals or gasoline?
A sharp solvent, paint-thinner, or gasoline-like smell usually points to cheaply made, low-quality PU that can off-gas residual solvents. Unlike a mild plasticky scent, this one lingers and doesn't fade with airing. It's the clearest sign to set the toy aside and buy from a labeled, reputable seller next time.
Can I wash a squishy to get rid of the smell?
Only gently. Wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth and a little mild soap, then pat dry. Never soak a foam squishy — PU foam absorbs water, traps moisture, and can grow mildew. Sealed gel toys can be lightly rinsed. See our step-by-step cleaning guide for the safe method for each material.
Does baking soda really remove squishy odor?
Yes, indirectly. Baking soda absorbs odor molecules from the air around it, so setting your squishy in an open bag or container next to a small dish of baking soda overnight helps pull out a mild scent. Keep the powder beside the toy rather than rubbed onto its surface, which can leave residue.
Fresh, well-made squishies from Funny Squishy
Odor problems are almost always a material problem — so start with squishies made from quality, labeled materials. Browse our full squishies collection to find soft, mild, satisfying picks, and if you want a fun surprise, our mystery boxes (around $13) are a low-risk way to try new textures. Remember: squishies are for ages 6 and up because of small parts, so supervise younger kids while they squeeze.