The Doll Forum

While I am cleaning my doll with Dawn there will appear tiny black balls. I am guessing it is the oil mixed with dirt being removed from the tpe. They are difficult to remove and stick to my wash cloth as well as some falling down on the bed sheet. Is this common with tpe dolls or is this a problem with using Dawn dishwashing detergent? I can't use anti-bacterial soap due to being on a septic tank.

Yeah, they are normal, common, and a pain in the ass.

I've always cleaned with baby oil and soft paper towels. The black stuff will stick to the oiled paper towel. It's time consuming and then you have to let the doll soak up the oil. I usually let her stand overnight and then powder in the morning. Just one of the things about tpe that some people don't like. I don't mind it. It's a good time for me to closely inspect her body for damage or wear. But when she's done and freshly powdered, she feels SO GOOD!

Yeah, baby will get the dirt balls off, but when cleaning with baby, you don't let it soak in. Over oiling can be a bad thing for TPE. Just use enough to loosen the residue, then wipe it and the oil off again. I usually do a regular Dawn sponge down afterward to remove excess oil. Then dry and powder as usual.

Another trick I use to get the dirt bits off is to put an old sock over the vacuum cleaner wand and just lightly go over the doll. Works pretty well and saves a little time.