How to Fix a Broken Squishy: Holes, Tears & Best Glue

Finding a hole, tear, or split in your favorite Taba Squishy can be frustrating, especially when the damage seems to appear suddenly. The good news is that many small rips and clean tears can be repaired if the surrounding material is still intact.

The most important thing is to use a repair method that matches the material. Not every squishy is made from the same material, and a glue that works on one type may fail on another.

In this guide, we'll explain how to fix a broken squishy, repair small holes and popped areas, choose the right glue for silicone squishies, and decide when a damaged Taba Squishy is better replaced than repaired.

1. First, Understand Your Squishy: Why Material Matters

Before reaching for any glue, identify what your squishy is made from.

Material matters because different soft toys can be made from silicone, PU foam, TPR-type elastomers, or other flexible materials. These materials behave differently when stretched, torn, and bonded with adhesive.

Not All Squishies Are Made From the Same Material

Different types of squishies require different repair approaches.

Squishy Type	Common Material	Common Damage	General Repair Approach
Taba-style squishy	Silicone	Hole, tear, split	Silicone-compatible flexible adhesive
Mochi-style squishy	TPR or similar elastomer	Split or seam tear	Check adhesive compatibility first
Slow-rise squishy	PU foam	Cracks or torn foam	Flexible foam-safe adhesive
Filled stress toy	TPR or rubber-like shell	Hole or seam failure	Depends on shell and filling
DIY silicone squishy	Silicone	Tear or seam separation	Silicone-compatible adhesive

TABASQUISHY® products use soft silicone, which gives them their distinctive flexible and squeezable feel. It also means that silicone-compatible repair methods are the most relevant when repairing a damaged Taba Squishy.

If you want to learn more about the material, read our guide to what Taba Squishies are made of.

Assess the Damage: Is Your Squishy Repairable?

Take a close look at the damaged area before starting.

The size of the tear, whether any material is missing, and the condition of the surrounding silicone will determine how successful the repair is likely to be.

· Small rips or tears: Clean tears along a surface, fold, or seam are usually the easiest to repair.

· Small holes: A small puncture can often be repaired before repeated squeezing turns it into a larger tear.

· Large or complete breaks: If an ear, arm, decoration, or other section has torn away but the original piece is still available, it may be possible to reattach it. The repaired seam may remain visible.

· Missing chunks or pieces: If part of the silicone is missing, you may be able to seal the damaged edges and reduce further tearing, but you cannot fully recreate the missing shape with a simple glue repair.

· Severe deformation or heat damage: Adhesive cannot restore silicone that has been permanently distorted or seriously damaged by excessive heat or chemicals.

The earlier you repair a small tear, the better. Repeatedly pulling or squeezing an already damaged area can quickly make the opening larger.

2. How to Fix a Squishy With a Hole

A small hole is one of the most common types of squishy damage.

If your silicone squishy develops a puncture or small opening and the material around the hole is still intact, you may be able to repair it before the damage spreads.

How to Repair a Small Hole in a Silicone Squishy

1. Stop squeezing the damaged area. Repeated stretching can make a small hole larger.

2. Inspect the edges of the hole. Check whether the torn surfaces can still be brought together naturally.

3. Clean the damaged area. Gently remove dust, lint, oils, and other residue.

4. Let the squishy dry completely. Moisture can interfere with adhesion.

5. Apply a small amount of silicone-compatible adhesive.

6. Carefully align the damaged edges. Avoid stretching the surrounding silicone while positioning them.

7. Hold the repair according to the adhesive instructions.

8. Allow the adhesive to cure completely before squeezing the toy again.

For a very small hole, more glue does not necessarily mean a stronger repair. Excess adhesive can spread beyond the tear and create a thick, visible patch.

A thin and controlled application is usually easier to manage.

What If the Hole Keeps Getting Bigger?

If a hole continues to grow, stop using the squishy until you can inspect or repair it.

A small puncture may develop into a large split when the silicone around it is repeatedly stretched.

If part of the material has already torn away, the goal of the repair may change from restoring the original appearance to stabilizing the damaged edges and preventing further tearing.

3. How to Fix a Popped Squishy

People often describe a squishy as "popped" when it suddenly splits, develops a large opening, or begins leaking filling.

Before repairing it, determine exactly what has happened.

If the Squishy Has Simply Split Open

If both sides of the tear are still present and the material is otherwise in good condition:

1. Stop squeezing the toy.

2. Clean the damaged surfaces.

3. Allow them to dry completely.

4. Apply an adhesive compatible with the squishy material.

5. Bring the torn edges back into alignment.

6. Leave the repair undisturbed for the full curing period.

Clean splits are generally easier to repair than holes where material has been lost.

If the Squishy Has Lost Filling

Not every squishy has the same construction.

Some stress toys and squishy products contain gel, liquid, beads, foam, or other filling materials. If a significant amount of filling has leaked out, repairing only the outer shell may not restore the toy to its original shape or feel.

Check the manufacturer's product information before attempting to refill or reseal this type of toy.

A Taba silicone squishy should not automatically be treated the same way as every filled stress toy.

4. Finding the Right Squishy Glue

Choosing the correct adhesive is one of the most important parts of repairing a broken squishy.

One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that the same household glue will work on every soft material.

There is no single "best glue for squishies" that works equally well on silicone, PU foam, TPR, and every other material.

Squishy Material	Glue Type to Consider	Important Note
Silicone	Silicone-compatible flexible adhesive	Suitable for many silicone-to-silicone repairs
PU foam	Flexible foam-safe adhesive	Some adhesives may damage foam
TPR or similar elastomer	Material-specific flexible adhesive	These surfaces can be difficult to bond
Unknown material	Identify material first	Avoid applying random glue before checking compatibility

Why Super Glue and Craft Glue May Not Work Well

Silicone is naturally difficult to bond with many common household adhesives.

Standard cyanoacrylate super glue often creates a relatively rigid bond. A soft squishy, however, repeatedly stretches and compresses.

That difference in flexibility means a repaired area can crack, peel, or separate when the toy is squeezed again.

Water-based craft glues are also generally poor choices for silicone because they may not form a durable bond with the surface.

This does not mean every specialist adhesive containing cyanoacrylate behaves identically. Some adhesive systems use primers or formulations designed for difficult plastics and elastomers.

Always check the adhesive manufacturer's material-compatibility instructions rather than assuming that any glue will work.

Why Silicone-Compatible Adhesive Is Better for Silicone Squishies

A silicone squishy needs a repair that can remain flexible after curing.

Silicone-compatible adhesives are designed for bonding silicone or similarly difficult flexible surfaces.

The goal is not simply to make the torn pieces stick together. The repaired area also needs to move with the surrounding material when the squishy is gently compressed.

That flexibility is one reason a material-compatible adhesive is preferable to a rigid household glue.

The TABASQUISHY® Silicone Glue Set

For TABASQUISHY® silicone products, our Silicone Glue Set — DIY Squishy Making Kit is designed as a compatible repair option for Taba silicone squishies.

Use the adhesive according to the instructions supplied with the kit, including its preparation, application, and recommended curing time.

The kit can also be used for compatible DIY silicone squishy projects, but repair results will depend on the material, size of the tear, and condition of the damaged area.

5. Your Step-by-Step Taba Squishy Repair Guide

Once you have confirmed that your Taba Squishy can be repaired, prepare a clean workspace and take your time.

Precision is more important than using a large amount of adhesive.

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Surface

Start with a clean repair area.

Dust, lint, dirt, hand oils, or other residue can make it harder for an adhesive to bond properly.

Gently clean the damaged area with mild soap and water when appropriate. Rinse away soap residue and allow the squishy to dry completely.

Do not apply adhesive while moisture remains around or inside the tear.

For more care tips, read our complete guide on how to clean, store, and maintain your Taba Squishy.

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace and Glue

Work on a clean, protected surface.

Keep the adhesive, applicator, and anything else you need nearby before you begin.

Prepare the silicone adhesive according to the instructions supplied with the product. If the adhesive requires mixing or another preparation step, follow those instructions carefully.

Use the product in an appropriately ventilated area as directed by the manufacturer.

Step 3: Apply the Adhesive With Precision

When repairing a small squishy tear, less is usually better.

Apply a thin, controlled layer of adhesive to the damaged surface.

Too much glue can squeeze out around the seam and create a thick, messy repair.

Pro Tip: For very small tears, place a small amount of adhesive on a disposable work surface first and use an appropriate applicator to control exactly where it goes.

Avoid spreading adhesive over undamaged areas unnecessarily.

Step 4: Press and Hold the Pieces Together

Carefully bring the torn edges back into their original position.

Make sure they are properly aligned before applying pressure.

Once positioned, hold the surfaces together for the amount of time recommended in the adhesive instructions.

Avoid pulling or stretching the surrounding silicone while the repair is beginning to set.

If excess adhesive appears around the seam, follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for handling it. Avoid using sharp blades close to the squishy unless the product instructions specifically recommend doing so and it can be done safely.

Step 5: Let It Cure Completely

This is one of the most important parts of the repair.

An adhesive may appear dry on the surface before it has reached its full bond strength.

Place the repaired squishy somewhere safe where it will not be squeezed, stretched, moved, or disturbed.

Follow the full curing time stated by the adhesive manufacturer or supplied with the TABASQUISHY® Silicone Glue Set.

Do not repeatedly test the repair while it is curing.

Giving the adhesive enough time to cure gives the repair the best chance of remaining flexible and durable.

Step 6: Test the Repair Gently

After the full curing period has passed, inspect the seam.

Begin with very gentle pressure rather than immediately squeezing the toy as hard as possible.

If the edges remain bonded, gradually return to normal use.

If the repair begins separating, stop squeezing and inspect the damaged area again.

Large tears may still leave a visible seam even when the repair is functional.

How to Fix a Dumpling Squishy

The same general silicone repair method applies to a damaged Taba dumpling squishy.

Small holes and tears may appear around folds, edges, thin sections, or decorative details where the material experiences more stress.

For a small tear:

1. Stop squeezing the damaged area.

2. Clean and fully dry the silicone.

3. Apply a small amount of silicone-compatible adhesive.

4. Carefully align the torn edges.

5. Allow the adhesive to cure completely.

6. Test the repair gently.

If your dumpling squishy has "popped," first check whether it is simply a clean split or whether a piece of silicone is missing.

A clean tear is usually easier to repair than a large opening with missing material.

6. When a Squishy Can't Be Saved

While many small holes and tears can be repaired, not every damaged squishy can be restored.

Knowing when to stop repairing is just as important as knowing how to fix a minor tear.

Do Not Try to Melt Your Taba Squishy Back Together

Do not use a lighter, open flame, heat gun, or another uncontrolled heat source to try to melt a damaged Taba Squishy back together.

TABASQUISHY® squishies use cured silicone. Heating the damaged area is not an appropriate substitute for adhesive repair and can permanently damage the toy.

It also creates unnecessary burn and fire hazards.

If the silicone has already suffered serious heat damage, replacement is usually more practical than trying to reshape it with additional heat.

The Fix vs. Replace Decision

Damage Type	Recommended Action	Why
Small tear or clean rip	Repair	The original edges can often be aligned and bonded
Small hole	Usually repair	Early repair may prevent the opening from spreading
Detached piece still available	Consider repair	The piece may be reattached, although the seam may remain visible
Large gap or missing piece	Limited repair	The damaged edges may be stabilized, but missing material cannot be fully restored
Major filling loss	Often replace	Repairing the shell may not restore the original shape or feel
Severely deformed material	Replace	Adhesive cannot restore permanently distorted material
Serious heat or chemical damage	Replace	The material itself may already be compromised

A successful repair does not always mean the squishy will look exactly as it did before the damage.

For large tears, the realistic goal may be to restore usability and prevent the damage from spreading rather than achieve an invisible repair.

When Replacement Makes More Sense

If a squishy has a large missing section, severe deformation, major filling loss, or serious material damage, repeatedly applying more glue is unlikely to produce a better result.

At that point, replacement may be the more practical option.

If you are looking for another Taba Squishy, our guide on where to buy Taba Squishy in 2026 explains the available buying options and how to identify authentic products.

7. How to Prevent Future Taba Squishy Tears

The easiest repair is the one you never need to make.

A few simple habits can reduce unnecessary wear and help your Taba Squishy last longer.

· Squeeze instead of aggressively pulling. Taba Squishies are designed for pressing, squishing, and kneading. Avoid repeatedly stretching thin sections to their limits.

· Be careful around thin details. Ears, arms, corners, and decorative elements can experience more stress than thicker areas.

· Keep sharp objects away. Long fingernails, keys, pet claws, scissors, and sharp desk edges can puncture soft silicone.

· Stop squeezing when you notice a tear. A small split can become much larger if you keep stretching it.

· Keep the surface clean. Dust, lint, lotions, and dirt can collect on soft or sticky surfaces.

· Store it properly. Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat or direct sunlight, and follow the recommended care instructions for your product.

If you want more information about product materials and responsible use, see our guide on are Taba Squishies safe for kids.

8. FAQs

1. How do you fix a squishy toy?

First identify what the squishy is made from. For a silicone squishy, clean and completely dry the damaged area, apply a small amount of silicone-compatible adhesive, carefully align the torn edges, and allow the adhesive to cure fully before squeezing the toy again.

Different materials may require different repair methods, so do not assume that silicone glue is suitable for every squishy.

2. How do you fix a squishy with a hole?

For a small hole in a silicone squishy, stop squeezing the damaged area, clean and dry the silicone, and apply a thin layer of compatible silicone adhesive to the torn edges.

Bring the edges together carefully and leave the repair undisturbed for the adhesive's full curing period before testing it.

3. How do you fix a popped squishy?

If the squishy has simply split open and both torn surfaces are still intact, clean and dry the damaged area and bond the edges using an adhesive compatible with the material.

If the toy contains gel, liquid, beads, or another filling and a large amount has leaked out, repairing the outer shell may not restore the original shape or feel.

4. Can you repair a silicone squishy?

Yes, many small holes, clean tears, and splits in silicone squishies can be repaired.

The damaged surfaces should be clean and dry, and the repair should use an adhesive compatible with flexible silicone. Large areas with missing material, severe deformation, or serious heat damage are much more difficult to restore.

5. What is the best glue for squishies?

There is no single glue that is best for every type of squishy.

Silicone squishies generally require a flexible silicone-compatible adhesive, while PU foam and TPR products may require different types of adhesive. Check the squishy material and the adhesive manufacturer's compatibility instructions before beginning a repair.

6. What is the best glue for repairing a Taba Squishy?

Because TABASQUISHY® products use silicone, a silicone-compatible flexible adhesive is the appropriate type of glue to consider.

Our Silicone Glue Set — DIY Squishy Making Kit is designed as a compatible repair option for TABASQUISHY® silicone products. Follow the preparation and curing instructions supplied with the kit.

7. Why didn't super glue work on my squishy?

Standard super glue often forms a relatively rigid bond, while a soft silicone squishy needs to continue bending, stretching, and compressing.

That difference in flexibility can cause the glued area to crack, peel, or separate during use. Silicone is also a difficult surface for many ordinary adhesives to bond to effectively.

8. How do you fix a dumpling squishy?

For a silicone dumpling squishy, clean and completely dry the damaged area, apply a small amount of silicone-compatible adhesive, carefully align the torn edges, and allow the repair to cure fully.

Avoid pulling thin folds or details while the adhesive is curing.