How to wash a Waldorf style doll

Much loved and played with Waldorf style dolls can sometimes get a bit grubby. Because they are made of natural fibres, it is important not to stick them in the washing machine or dryer, as that would lead to felting of the wool that’s inside the doll.

So what what should you consider when hand-washing your doll?

• Spot clean any stains with a clean cloth and water –  dab instead of rubbing.
• Use mild wool detergent (the lambs wool inside the doll would felt if you used any other soap).
• Use lukewarm water, never hot, and avoid a sudden change in water temperature (again, that would lead to felting).
• You want to preserve its original shape, so it’s important to be gentle. Never wring the doll, only squeeze the water out gently.
• The doll should be dried naturally in the sun or near a radiator on a clean towel. This is because a sudden change in temperature could lead the fibres to felt together.

If the doll is too grubby for spot-cleaning, follow these steps, and your doll will be clean again, maintaining its original shape:

1. Fill a bowl or sink with lukewarm water – it should just be comfortable enough for your hands.
2. Add a small capful of wool detergent.
3. Soak the doll for a few minutes and squeeze gently to allow the water to go all the way into the doll.
4. Let the doll sit in the soapy water for about half an hour.
5. Squeeze the doll again gently to remove the soapy water.
6. Replace the water with lukewarm clean water and repeat the process of gentle squeezing to rinse all the detergent out of the doll. This is very important, so depending on how much detergent you used, you may wish to replace the water and repeat this rinsing process again.
7. To restore the redness in the cheeks, use a piece of cloth, dab it on a red beeswax crayon and dab that on the cheeks.

Watch this video to see how to carry out the steps: