How to Care for Your NeeDoh (and What Never to Do)

A NeeDoh is about as low-maintenance as a toy gets: squeeze it, let go, repeat. Still, a few simple habits keep it in good shape, and there's one rule you should never break. This guide covers the NeeDoh Nice Cube and the NeeDoh Gummy Bear, plus a short note on our Giant Butter Squishy. The instructions on your package always come first, so read those too.

The number one rule: do NOT heat, freeze, or microwave

The care line for both of these NeeDoh squishies is short and clear: Do NOT heat, freeze, or microwave. In everyday terms, that means:

• No microwave, oven or toaster oven.
• No hot water, hair dryer, heater or radiator.
• No freezer, not even for a minute.

Why it matters

A squishy is made to be squeezed, not warmed up or chilled. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned about serious burn hazards from heated squishy toys. You may also come across videos of people warming or freezing squishies to change how they feel. Skip those, and take the warning on the package at its word.

Keeping it clean

Hands, desks and bag pockets all pick up dust and lint, and a squishy will happily collect it. To keep yours looking its best:

• Squeeze it with clean, dry hands.
• If it needs a refresh, wipe it gently with a damp cloth. That's general guidance, so follow your package instructions if they say something different.
• Let it dry at room temperature. Never use a hair dryer or heater to speed things up.
• Keep it off dusty floors and out of places full of lint, sand or pet hair.

Storage: where to keep your NeeDoh

• Somewhere that doesn't get hot: not a car on a warm day, not near a heater vent or radiator.
• Never in the freezer.
• In a clean spot, like a drawer, a shelf or a small pouch, so it doesn't collect dust.
• Away from pens, keys, scissors and other pointy things (more on that below).
• Out of reach of children under 3 and pets.

Pets and squishies don't mix

A squishy is a toy for people, not a chew toy. Dogs and cats may see it as something to bite, scratch or bat around, and teeth and claws can puncture or tear it. When you're done squishing, put it on a shelf or in a drawer, and never give it to a pet to play with. If a pet does get hold of it, check it over and follow the "when to toss it" list below.

Keep it away from sharp objects

Squishies are soft, which is the whole point. Soft also means easy to puncture. Keep yours away from:

• Scissors, craft knives and pencil sharpeners.
• Keys, pens and paper clips in the same pocket or bag.
• Rings with sharp edges or prongs.
• Long or sharp fingernails during big squeezes.

When you're out and about, a small pouch or its own pocket keeps it apart from anything pointy.

When to toss it

No squishy lasts forever. Stop using yours and throw it away if you notice:

• Tears, splits or holes, even small ones.
• Leaks, or anything coming out of it.
• A sticky or tacky surface.
• Pieces breaking off.

Don't try to patch, tape or glue a damaged squishy. Once it's broken, it's done. Until it's in the trash, keep it away from little kids and pets.

Are bubbles normal?

If you have a NeeDoh Nice Cube and spot small air bubbles inside, don't worry. Small air bubbles inside the Nice Cube are normal.

Bubbles inside are not the same thing as damage on the outside. If the surface has split, something is leaking out, or it has turned sticky, go back to the "when to toss it" list above.

Age guidance

• The NeeDoh Nice Cube and the NeeDoh Gummy Bear are for ages 3+.
• Both carry a choking hazard warning: small parts, not for children under 3.
• If there are younger children at home, store squishies up high when nobody is playing with them.
• Our Giant Butter Squishy is also for ages 3+.

What about the Giant Butter Squishy?

Our Giant Butter Squishy isn't a NeeDoh. It's an unbranded, super-soft slow-rise PU foam squishy, about 9.4 in long, that looks like a stick of butter. Its care line is short: "Squishy toy — not food. Keep away from heat and sharp objects." Because it looks so much like the real thing, it's worth reminding younger squishers that it's a toy, not a snack. The storage, pet and "when to toss it" tips above are good habits for it too.

Quick care checklist

• Do NOT heat, freeze, or microwave your NeeDoh.
• Wipe gently with a damp cloth if needed, and follow the package instructions.
• Store it somewhere clean that doesn't get hot.
• Keep it away from pets and sharp objects.
• Toss it if it tears, leaks or turns sticky.
• Ages 3+. Not for children under 3.

Still choosing between the two? Our Nice Cube vs. Gummy Bear guide compares them side by side.

Looking for a new squish to look after? Browse our squishies.