How to Wash & Clean Kids' Dolls: A Parent’s Guide to Safe & Gentle Toy Care

Children's dolls and plush toys are more than just playthings, they’re companions, comforters, and imaginative sidekicks. But after all those tea parties, park trips, and bedtime snuggles, they can get a little… well, lived-in. Dirt, spills, and germs build up over time, making regular cleaning important not just for appearance, but for hygiene too.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean a variety of children’s dolls depending on their materials, and we’ll pay special attention to caring for delicate, handmade treasures like our very own Leo the Lion Crochet Toy.

🧼 General Doll Cleaning Tips

From soft plushies and fabric dolls to plastic-bodied baby dolls and rag-style favourites, kids’ toys come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, and each one requires slightly different care. Here’s how to approach cleaning depending on what you’re dealing with:

1. Check the Care Label

Before jumping into cleaning, always check the doll’s label or tag (if available). This will tell you whether the toy is machine washable, hand-wash only, or needs surface cleaning. If there’s no label, play it safe by opting for gentler methods.

2. Know Your Doll Type

Different dolls call for different approaches:

• Plush or Stuffed Dolls: Usually made of soft fabric with polyester filling. Many are machine washable, though some may need a hand wash to protect stitching.
  
  

• Plastic or Vinyl Dolls: Think classic baby dolls with hard heads and limbs. These can often be wiped down or gently scrubbed with a toothbrush and soapy water.
  
  

• Fabric or Rag Dolls: Typically sewn from cotton or linen and filled with soft stuffing. Hand washing or surface cleaning is best to preserve the fabric and shape.
  
  

• Knitted or Crochet Dolls: These handmade beauties need extra care to avoid stretching, pilling, or unravelling (see below for more details).
  
  

• Battery-Operated or Talking Dolls: Never submerge these in water, spot clean only with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
  
  

3. Surface Cleaning

For small messes:

• Use a clean cloth dipped in a mild soap and water solution.
  
  

• Gently blot or wipe the area, avoid scrubbing, which can damage fabrics or fade colours.
  
  

• Blot dry with a towel and let air dry completely before returning it to your child.
  
  

4. Machine Washing

If the doll is safe for machine washing:

• Place it inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase.
  
  

• Use a cold, gentle cycle with mild, fragrance-free detergent.
  
  

• Skip the bleach and fabric softeners.
  
  

• Avoid the spin cycle if possible to prevent damage.
  
  

• Once clean, reshape and air dry flat; never tumble dry.
  
  

5. Drying

Air drying is the safest option:

• Lay the doll flat on a clean towel and gently reshape it.
  
  

• Don’t hang it to dry,  this can stretch the seams or stuffing.
  
  

• Keep out of direct sunlight or heat to avoid fading or shrinkage.
  
  

Caring for Knitted and Crochet Toys:

Knitted and crocheted toys, like our Leo the Lion Crochet Toy, are handmade with love and require extra gentle care to keep them looking and feeling their best.

1. Spot Cleaning

Perfect for light dirt or small stains:

• Mix a little mild detergent with cold water.
  
  

• Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and gently dab the dirty spot.
  
  

• Avoid rubbing, as this can cause fuzzing or pulling at the stitches.
  
  

• Blot with a clean, dry towel and leave Leo to air dry naturally.
  
  

2. Hand Washing

If your crochet toy needs a deeper clean:

• Fill a basin with cold water and a small amount of baby-safe detergent.
  
  

• Submerge the toy and gently swish it around, no wringing or twisting.
  
  

• Rinse thoroughly in clean water.
  
  

• Gently press out the water using a towel (no squeezing!).
  
  

• Reshape and lay flat on a dry towel to air dry out of direct sunlight.
  
  

3. Storage Tips

To help keep your crochet toy in top condition:

• Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
  
  

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure, which can cause colours to fade.
  
  

• Make sure the toy is completely dry before putting it away to prevent mould or mildew.
  
  

Meet Leo the Lion: A Cuddly Companion

Handcrafted from soft, high-quality yarn, Leo the Lion is the perfect cuddle buddy for little ones. Designed with comfort, safety, and style in mind, Leo’s calming colours and adorable features make him a keepsake toy that’s loved by both kids and parents alike. With the right care, Leo will be by your child’s side through countless memories and milestones.

Regular cleaning of your child’s dolls helps preserve their beauty and keeps playtime safe and hygienic. By understanding the materials and using gentle, age-appropriate cleaning methods, you can keep their favourite toys looking fresh and feeling loved, just the way they should be.

For more parenting tips and a growing collection of beautifully crafted toys, visit Wyld Bub and explore our thoughtfully made range.