How to Clean Your American Girl Doll

Keeping your American Girl doll clean and well-maintained is essential for preserving her beauty and longevity. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your doll looks as good as new.

Part 1: Brushing

Step 1: Prepare the Doll To keep your doll steady while you work on her hair, place her in a doll stand. If you don't have a stand, secure her between your legs.

Step 2: Section the Hair Divide the doll’s hair into four sections. Lightly spray each section with water using a spray bottle. This helps prevent damage and makes brushing easier.

Step 3: Brush Straight Hair Use an American Girl brand brush for straight hair. Start brushing from the ends and work your way up to the roots. This method reduces tangles and prevents hair breakage. Once detangled, run the brush from the roots to the ends.

Step 4: Tend to Curly Hair For curly hair, use an American Girl brand hair pick or your fingers. Comb through the hair from the ends to the roots. Once detangled, divide the hair into smaller sections and twirl each section around your finger. This maintains the curl pattern and keeps the hair looking great.

Step 5: Style Style the doll's hair as desired. Whether you’re creating braids, ponytails, or leaving it loose, make sure to be gentle to avoid damaging the hair.

Part 2: Washing Her Hair

Step 1: Prep the Doll Undress the doll to avoid getting her clothes wet. Place a hand towel over her cloth body and a washcloth over her face to protect her from water. Ensure these stay in place throughout the washing process.

Step 2: Wet the Hair Turn on the faucet and let the water run until it’s lukewarm. Carefully place the doll's hair under the running water while keeping her face dry. Hold the doll face-up to prevent water from entering her eyes, which could cause rust.

Step 3: Shampoo Apply a small amount of mild shampoo to your hands and rub them together to form a lather. Gently smooth the shampoo into the doll's hair, focusing on the ends. Avoid the roots to prevent water from reaching the cloth body. Rinse the hair thoroughly.

Step 4: Dry Lay the doll face-up on a towel and wrap the towel around her hair to absorb excess water. Do not wring or rub the hair, as this can cause damage. Let the hair air dry overnight by laying the doll face-up with her hair spread out.

Part 3: Washing Her Body

Step 1: Undress the Doll Remove all clothing and accessories. Lightly dust off the doll with a dry washcloth to remove loose dirt.

Step 2: Clean with Soap Create a cleaning solution with mild soap and water in a small pail. Dip a clean washcloth into the solution and wring out the excess water until it’s damp but not dripping. Carefully wipe the doll's face, arms, and legs with the cloth, focusing on dirty areas. For tough stains, rub gently and patiently.

Step 3: Spot Clean Dip the cloth into the soap mixture again, squeeze out the excess water, and spot clean any dirt marks on the doll's cloth body. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric.

Step 4: Rinse Pour clear water into a second pail. Wet a clean cloth and wring out the excess water. Wipe away any soap residue from the doll's body with the damp cloth.

Step 5: Dry Place the doll on a towel to air dry. Ensure she is thoroughly dry before redressing her to prevent mold or mildew. Allow her to stand for a few hours to ensure no moisture remains.

Step 6: Final Check Avoid using any untested methods or homemade solutions on your doll. Stick to tried-and-true cleaning techniques to keep her in top condition.

Conclusion

Cleaning your American Girl doll is a delicate process that, when done correctly, can keep her looking pristine for years. By following these detailed steps for brushing, washing her hair, and cleaning her body, you can ensure your doll remains in excellent condition. Remember to use gentle methods and appropriate tools, and always prioritize your doll's care to preserve her beauty and longevity. Happy cleaning.