Clean a reborn doll only as much as it needs. Start by removing dust with a soft, dry brush or lint-free cloth. Use liquid only where the material and the artist’s instructions allow it, and never soak or scrub the doll.
Moon & Milk’s dolls have vinyl heads and limbs, cloth bodies and glass-bead weighting. The guidance here covers that construction. Silicone dolls and other materials need their own care instructions.
Before you start
- Check whether you are about to clean painted vinyl, painted hair, rooted hair or cloth. Each needs different treatment.
- Look for existing shine, peeling or lifting paint. If you see any, ask the artist before cleaning.
- Wash and dry your hands and prepare a clean, padded surface.
A certificate of authenticity does not tell you which cleaner is suitable. What matters is the doll’s construction, finish, condition and the artist’s instructions.
Check whether the finish is sealed
The doll’s listing or care sheet may say how it was painted and finished. If it does not, ask the artist before using any liquid or cleaning product.
If you cannot confirm the finish, stick to dry dusting until you have care advice specific to your doll. A sealed finish is not a guarantee that every cleaning method will be suitable.
What to use
Choose a clean, soft, white, lint-free cloth. A smooth cotton cloth is a practical choice; avoid rough flannels, textured cleaning cloths and anything with a scrubbing surface. Use cotton buds for small creases, with a light touch.
You’ll also need a soft brush for loose dust and a separate dry cloth for blotting.
Start with dry cleaning
Support the doll on a clean, padded surface. Brush away loose dust without pressing or scrubbing. Check for peeling paint, loose finish or existing damage before doing anything more.
Cleaning small marks
Where the artist’s instructions allow water, barely dampen your cloth or cotton bud with clean, lukewarm water. It should not drip.
Test a small, hidden area and let it dry before checking for any change. Work on one small area at a time, using light dabbing movements rather than repeated rubbing. Change to a clean part of the cloth or a fresh cotton bud as it picks up dirt, then blot dry.
Keep moisture away from the cloth body, joints, openings, eyes, eyelashes and rooted hair. Use the separate hair-care guidance for hair.
If the doll is very dirty
Heavy dirt needs extra caution. Trying to lift it can remove paint or varnish too, especially if the finish is already worn.
If the artist permits mild soap cleaning and plain water has not helped, a tiny amount of mild, fragrance-free baby wash diluted in water may be an option. Do not apply it directly to the doll. Test first, keep the cloth barely damp and work in small areas with minimal pressure.
Lift any residue with a separate cloth barely dampened with plain water, then blot dry. Do not soak the surface or keep repeating the process to chase a stubborn mark.
Stop if colour transfers to the cloth, the surface becomes sticky or shiny, or the finish starts lifting. If you cannot tell whether you are removing dirt or paint, stop. A heavily soiled doll or persistent stain may need an experienced reborn artist’s assessment.
Why not baby wipes or alcohol?
Baby wipes are formulated for human skin, not painted artwork. Even alcohol-free wipes may contain lotions, fragrances or other ingredients that leave residue or are unsuitable for the finish.
Do not use alcohol, hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes, acetone or household stain removers. Avoid abrasive sponges and magic erasers too. Cleaning can damage painted detail through friction as well as chemicals.
Clean only when needed. A remaining mark is better than paint rubbed away while trying to remove it.
Keep the cloth body dry
Brush away loose surface dust first. If the artist’s instructions permit spot cleaning, blot a small surface mark with a barely damp cloth, keeping moisture out of the filling. Let the area dry fully before dressing or storing the doll. Never soak or submerge the body. For heavy soiling, damp filling or a musty smell, ask an experienced reborn artist for advice.
Do not use cleaning products, hair mist or mohair conditioner on the body. If it becomes wet inside or does not dry fully, stop using the doll until you have advice.
Treat hair separately
Painted hair needs dry dusting only. For rooted mohair, follow the rooted mohair care instructions and any directions supplied by the artist. Do not wash the hair or use heat.
What to avoid
- Bathing or submerging the doll.
- Scrubbing the paint or repeatedly rubbing a stain.
- Bleach or harsh household cleaners, and any soap the artist has not approved.
- Hairdryers, radiators or other heat for drying.
- Applying fragrance directly to the doll or its hair.
Clothing stains and dye transfer
Dark or strongly coloured clothing can transfer dye. Wash new garments before use, check the doll during wear and avoid leaving damp clothing against it.
Do not try to scrub out transferred dye. If a mark remains after the suitable light-cleaning method above, ask the artist before using anything else.
How often should you clean a reborn doll?
Dust when needed and clean visible marks rather than following a fixed schedule. A doll on display may need different care from one that is handled and dressed regularly.
When to ask for help
Ask a reborn artist about peeling paint, persistent stains, continuing hair loss or damage to the body. Explain what happened and what you have already used. Avoid adding another treatment before you know what caused the problem.
For a printable summary of everyday care, get The Reborn Care Guide, a free 12-page PDF from Aya.
