Help I think iv ruined my work!!!

[Maxitaxi]

Hi,
I'm knitting lots of different squares for my blanket and a lot of them were all curled up when is finished so I got them all and pinned them to a damp towel and put another damp towel over them. Then I pressed them lightly with the iron. Pulled the towel off and they are all flat and limp with no bounce or Life in them!!! I freaked out and thought to Hand wash them to bring them back to life but that didn't make much difference! I'm really gutted as I'm a new knitter and these took a lot of time!!!
Suggestions anyone please!

[Antares]

What kind of yarn did you use to make the squares--acrylic or wool? If they're acrylic, you can most likely hand wash them or wash them on gentle in washer and dry them in the dryer, and they will bounce back (HOWEVER, check your yarn bands first to make sure this is okay).