How to Clean and Care for a Love Doll

Proper care decides whether your doll stays beautiful for two years or for ten. Follow this guide and you'll get it right, whether it's TPE or silicone.

DollKompass editorial team · October 2026 · approx. 5 min read

What you need

• mild, fragrance-free soap or a dedicated doll cleaner
• soft microfibre cloths and towels
• an irrigation/cleaning bottle (included with many dolls)
• talc-free baby powder or cornstarch (for TPE)
• optional: wig brush and wig stand

Cleaning step by step

1. Remove the wig and wash it separately with wig shampoo.
2. Protect the head: On AI heads, never let water reach the electronics, speakers or ports. Only wipe the head with a damp cloth.
3. Clean the body with lukewarm (not hot) water and mild soap. Work gently with the cloth; don't scrub.
4. Rinse internal areas thoroughly with the irrigation bottle.
5. Pat dry, don't rub, with a soft towel.
6. Let it dry completely, inside too. Residual moisture causes odours and mould. A drying stick or a clean cloth helps.

Powdering (TPE)

TPE becomes slightly sticky over time. After cleaning and drying completely, apply a thin layer of powder and brush off the excess with a soft brush. This keeps the skin velvety. Silicone usually doesn't need it.

Preventing and removing stains

• No dark or new, unwashed clothing: textile dye can soak into TPE. Wash clothes first and prefer light colours.
• No contact with newspaper, ballpoint pens or printed fabrics.
• Removing stains: Many retailers sell special stain-removal creams for TPE. Solvents such as acetone or alcohol are off-limits; they damage the material.

Storing it properly

• Hanging from a neck hook (if available) is ideal, as it avoids pressure marks.
• Lying down on a soft surface also works; change the position regularly.
• Cool, dry, out of direct sunlight: UV light and heat age the material.
• Cover it with a cotton sheet to keep dust off.

The most common mistakes