Maintenance & Care

As with everything in life, our dolls deserve to be cared for. They need to be cleaned regularly, checked for defects and stored properly to prevent excessive stress on the material. Below we will tell you everything you need to know about the maintenance of your doll.

Basic treatment and care

When moving or positioning your doll, always support the core and limbs to avoid excessive stress on the joints. Positioning the doll should be a gentle process, taking care not to force the limbs beyond their natural range of motion. TPE and STPE are durable materials, but like all elastomers, they have their limitations in terms of stretch and flex.

Always use both hands when lifting your doll. One hand should support the bottom or back of the doll, while the other supports the shoulders or neck. This technique helps distribute the weight evenly and prevents accidental tearing of the material. If you have the head attached using the "Quick Attache" screw, always grab the head of the doll first and place it in a safe place. This will prevent the head from coming loose during movement, thus preventing damage to the head.

Sharp bends can cause wrinkles or tears in the TPE or STPE. When posing your doll, avoid sharply folding the limbs or torso. Make sure that each pose maintains a natural curvature.

The clothing you put on your doll should preferably be loose-fitting with a soft texture. Tight or coarse fabrics can leave marks on your TPE doll's skin or even cause abrasions. Also avoid dark or heavily pigmented clothing that can stain your doll's skin. Please note that due to the porous structure of TPE and STPE, paint from clothing is very easily absorbed into TPE or STPE. These stains are therefore almost impossible to remove. Always check the colorfastness of each piece of clothing and make sure that the clothing has been washed at least once before dressing your doll in it.

Exposing your TPE or STPE doll to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight can lead to material degradation. Store your doll in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat sources. Similarly, avoid prolonged exposure to moisture to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.

Cleaning

Het schoonhouden van jouw TPE of STPE doll is essentieel voor hygiëne en een lange levensduur. Door de poreuze aard van TPE kan het oliën, vlekken en geuren absorberen, dus regelmatig schoonmaken is noodzakelijk. Hier leest u hoe u het goed kunt doen.

When cleaning your TPE or STPE doll, selecting the right cleaning products and tools is crucial. You will need the following items that will effectively clean without damaging the TPE material.

  • Mild antibacterial soap: This soap cleans without damaging the TPE material.
  • Soft sponge or cloth: Use for gentle cleaning.
  • Talcum powder: After drying, apply talcum powder to keep your doll’s skin soft and supple.

Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of oil and dirt. Follow these steps for effective cleaning:

  1. Mix warm water with antibacterial soap: Warm water helps dissolve oils and dirt more effectively than cold water.
  2. Gently clean the surface: Use the sponge or cloth soaked in soapy water to gently clean the doll’s skin.
  3. Rinse with clean water: Thoroughly rinse off any soap residue with clean water. Residue can damage the TPE material over time.
  4. Dry thoroughly: Use a soft, clean towel to pat the doll dry. Make sure that no moisture is left behind, as this can lead to mold growth.

 

Stains and odors can be particularly difficult to remove from TPE and STPS dolls due to the porous nature of the material. If you have a stain or unpleasant odor, try following the steps below.

  • Removing stains:
    • Apply a small amount of mild soap to the stained area and rub gently.
    • Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
  • Baking soda for odors:
    • Baking soda is effective at neutralizing odors.
    • Sprinkle it on the doll’s skin.
    • Let it sit for a few hours and then gently brush it away.

Maintaining hygiene and sanitization for your TPE or STPE doll is not just about cleanliness; it is crucial to ensuring safety and longevity. Because TPE and STPE dolls are used intensively and personally, sanitizing them will protect them from bacterial and fungal infections and preserve the quality of your doll.

  • Using antibacterial sprays: Sprays that are safe for TPE material can help remove bacteria from the doll’s surface. However, check the compatibility of each spray with TPE before applying.
  • Regular and thorough cleaning: Clean your doll after each use with a mild antibacterial soap and warm water. Pay special attention to areas that are more prone to bacteria buildup.
  • Dry your doll completely: Humid environments encourage bacteria growth. Be sure to dry your doll completely after washing. Use a soft, clean cloth and avoid leaving any damp spots.

Preventing bacteria growth is crucial to maintaining the life and safety of your TPE or STPE doll.

Storage

Het schoonhouden van jouw TPE of STPE doll is essentieel voor hygiëne en een lange levensduur. Door de poreuze aard van TPE kan het oliën, vlekken en geuren absorberen, dus regelmatig schoonmaken is noodzakelijk. Hier leest u hoe u het goed kunt doen.

Store your doll in a cool, dry place. High humidity or heat can promote the growth of mold and mildew. To prevent the spread of bacteria and infections, avoid sharing your TPE or STPE doll with others. When not in use, consider using a breathable protective cover to keep your doll clean and dust-free.

Properly storing your TPE or STPE doll is crucial to maintaining its condition and extending its life. Different storage methods cater to different needs, whether short-term or long-term, to keep your doll in the best shape without taking up unnecessary space.

To maintain the integrity and appearance of your TPE or STPE doll, certain environmental conditions are optimal:

  • Temperature controlled environment: Store your doll in a cool, consistent temperature setting. Extreme temperatures, especially heat, can damage the TPE material, causing it to become sticky or warp. A room temperature of around 20°C (68°F) is ideal.
  • Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays from direct sunlight can degrade TPE material over time, leading to discoloration. Store the doll in a place where sunlight does not directly hit it.
  • Dry areas with low humidity: High humidity can promote the growth of mold and mildew. Aim for an environment with a relative humidity below 50%.

Protecting your TPE doll during storage is crucial to prevent deformities or damage:

  • Proper placement: Lay the doll flat or hang it using a storage kit specifically designed for TPE and STPE dolls. Make sure that no pressure is applied to any part of the body to prevent wrinkles or indentations.
  • Use protective coverings: Cover the doll with a breathable cloth to prevent dust buildup and ensure that no moisture is trapped inside.

The length of storage will greatly affect how you store your doll.

Short-term storage
For periods ranging from a few days to a few weeks:

  • Easy access: You may choose to store the doll on a bed or in a sitting position on a soft surface if you plan to use it soon.
  • Regular checks: Perform short checks to ensure that no part of the doll is under excessive pressure or exposed to harmful environmental factors.

Long-term storage
For storage of several weeks:

  • Hanging storage: Using a hanging hook or stand designed for TPE and STPE dolls helps maintain the doll’s shape and prevents pressure points.
  • No clothing or tight accessories: Store the doll without tight clothing or accessories that could leave permanent marks or imprints on the skin.