Silicone doll care

Wash your doll with warm water and a mild, unscented soap or a cleaner made for dolls, and rinse the openings with an irrigation bottle after every use. Silicone is non-porous, so it's quicker to clean than TPE. Keep water away from the neck joint, because the skeleton inside has metal parts.

On a hybrid doll, use this routine for the silicone head and the TPE doll care guide for the body. Wipe the face with a damp cloth and a little mild soap rather than soaking it.

Pat the skin dry with a soft, lint-free towel, and dry the openings with an absorbent stick or a rolled lint-free cloth. Silicone doesn't hold water in its surface, but water can still sit in the openings and around the joints, so make sure it's fully dry before you dress or store it.

Powder is optional on silicone. A light dusting can reduce the lint and dust that silicone skin tends to pick up. A hybrid's silicone head doesn't need powder.

Store your doll lying flat on a soft surface, or hanging only if its skeleton and hanging kit are designed for it, and cover it with a clean cotton sheet to keep dust off. Silicone copes with warmth better than TPE, but keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters.

Most of our silicone dolls are 160 to 169 cm tall, with a median weight of 32 kg. Lift your doll by the torso rather than the arms, legs or neck, and ask someone to help if you need to.

Silicone resists staining much better than TPE, but strong dye from dark or new clothing can still transfer over time. Choose light-coloured or colour-fast clothes and wash new clothes first. Don't scrub the face, as makeup can wear, and avoid harsh solvents. Our makeup guide covers how silicone holds makeup.

Use a water-based lube and avoid silicone-based lube, which can degrade silicone skin. If your doll has implanted hair, comb it gently and keep it dry.