How to Clean Dolls & Maintain Them
Want to keep your dolls in tip-top shape? We’re so glad!
Dolls are amazing toys cherished by children, collectors, and toy lovers all around the world. And since they’re loved to bits, they earn a little wear and tear that deserves to be looked after. A little doll maintenance goes a long way!
Here are Hey Bestie’s tips and tricks on how to clean, store, and maintain the dolls you love.
How to Clean Dolls
Cleaning dolls is important for preventing damage as well as the spread of germs. It’s also great for long-term storage because it helps to preserve your dolls, keeping them close to their original conditions!
First, remove the doll’s clothes. Dilute a drop of dish soap into a bowl of warm water. Then, dip a soft cloth into the water and wring it dry. Gently wipe your Hey Bestie doll from head to toe and finish by allowing the doll to air dry completely.
How to Wash Doll Hair
Knotty hair? Not a problem! Use these doll hair care tips to keep your Besties looking their best.
- Brush doll hair regularly to keep it smooth. Prevention is key!
- Use a wire brush to comb doll hair. Separate the hair into small sections and work gently from the bottom up.
- Spritz a little water into doll hair to remove kinks.
- Be very gentle with wavy or curly doll hair so it doesn’t frizz. Use your fingers instead of a brush to detangle the hair.
- Do not use heat to style a doll’s hair. This includes blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and any other hairstyling tools that use heat.
- Avoid hair styling products such as gel, mousse, or hairspray on doll hair.
- For bigger messes, wash doll hair with water and a gentle soap. Comb it smooth and let the hair air dry.
- Style long doll hair into a braid to help prevent tangles.
- Do not cut doll hair—it won’t grow back! 😉
How to Clean Doll Clothes
Doll clothes are best washed by hand. You should avoid laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and machine washing as they can be too harsh on doll clothes.
Fill a sink with warm water and dilute a few small drops of dish detergent. Submerge the doll clothes in the soapy water and hand wash by gently rubbing the clothes with your hands. Empty the sink, rinse the clothes in clean, cold water, and wring dry. Lay Hey Bestie doll clothes out to dry completely before putting them away.
Tips for Storing Dolls and Accessories
Missing a pair of doll shoes? Yep—we’ve been there!
Kids’ toys will get everywhere if you let them. This mess is not only stressful to parents but might result in lost or broken toys that mean a lot to your child. Thankfully, a little organization can save you a lot of trouble.
Here are Hey Bestie’s favorite tips for doll storage!
- Organize toys by function. That means that dolls go with dolls, doll clothes go with doll clothes, play food goes with play food, and so on.
- Store dolls and other toys in clear plastic containers. Transparent bins let you see what’s inside at a glance, so it’s easier for kids to clean up and find what they’re looking for.
- Use dividers, clear plastic bags, and other small inserts to add compartments to your containers and organize even further.
- Label containers. We love to use painter’s tape for labeling because it doesn’t leave any sticky residue!
- Store everyday toys in cubbies, drawers, and storage units that are low to the ground. This way, your kiddo can put their toys away themselves.
- Make use of vertical space with toy hammocks, hanging storage nets, over the door organizers, and shelving.
- For long-term storage, place dolls in airtight containers in a cool, dry, and dark space. Sunlight risks bleaching exposed skin while moisture may cause unwanted mold.
Taking care of dolls is a labor of love. It keeps our little Besties in shape while showing the kids we love that we care about their toys! For more doll care and free kids’ activities, subscribe to our newsletter and follow Hey Bestie on Instagram. (Psst—we have giveaways!)
See you next time!
Discover Hey Bestie Dolls & Doll Accessories
Hey Bestie is an all-new collection of mini dolls, playsets, and accessories—perfect for small spaces! From party planners to travel afficionados, there’s a pair of Besties that matches your kiddo’s vibe. Inspire imaginative, feel-good playtime with Hey Bestie!
