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Caring for your doll: cleaning, storage, and longevity

A doll is a real investment, and how long it stays in good shape comes down almost entirely to care. The routine isn't hard; it's mostly a few habits done consistently. Here's the whole thing in one place.

The cleaning routine

Full body, every 1–3 weeks. Wash in the shower with a mild antibacterial soap and warm water, kept below 40 °C. You can shower with the doll, but never let the head or neck go underwater: water in the neck joint rusts the skeleton. Wipe the face gently with a damp cloth rather than submerging it.

Canals (vaginal, anal, oral): after every use. TPE is more porous than silicone, so bacteria are a real concern. Use the disposable cleaning tool that comes with the doll rather than flushing directly from a tap, because faucet pressure can push water up into the pelvic skeleton. A mild antibacterial soap is enough.

Don't scrub the makeup off. Never wipe with a dry cloth or anything abrasive, which rubs off painted detail. For stubborn marks you can use a little cleansing, olive, or white oil, but if the doll has body makeup or painted veins, rinse with water only, because oil strips paint.

Drying and powdering

Pat dry with a soft towel. No hair dryer or hot air, since heat damages the skin. Once fully dry, dust lightly with baby or talcum powder. This keeps the surface silky and, more importantly, helps prevent cracking. It's the single most skipped step and the one that most affects how the skin ages.

Keeping TPE supple

TPE benefits from a monthly rehydration: work a little mineral or baby oil over the body to keep the material from drying out. Silicone doesn't need this.

Lubricant

Water-based only, every time. Silicone and petroleum-based lubes degrade the skin material — water-based is the only safe choice.

Storage and posing

  • Return to a neutral position. Don't leave limbs bent, raised, or splayed for long stretches, since sustained stress tears the material over time. Store with arms at the sides and legs together.
  • Reposition gently, and only from a lying or sitting position.
  • Keep out of direct sunlight, which ages TPE quickly.
  • Avoid dark or dye-heavy clothing, especially early on. The skin absorbs dye and staining is hard to reverse; light or skin-tone fabrics are safest.
  • Mind sharp objects: nails, jewellery, and blades all nick the skin.

Standing

Only stand a doll that's built to stand. Standing models have three screws embedded in the soles for a three-point base, and those screws being slightly visible or touching the floor is intentional, not a defect. A doll without foot screws must never be stood: its own weight crushes the sole and it can't balance, and the skin punctures.

Electronics

If the doll has a moaning or heating function, keep water well away from the speaker and circuit board when you clean.

Tools worth having

A basic care kit covers most of this: a cleaning tool for the canals, a powder puff, water-based lube, and a small repair kit for minor nicks. Many makers sell these as a bundle.

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