TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) love dolls, like any other sophisticated product, need to be looked after and maintained properly if one wants to enjoy their use for a long time and keep them always at the best condition. If you happen to be only a beginner with a doll or a seasoned one who collects such dolls, in either case, learning the basic maintenance steps is a must and that is what this article mainly does which is explain the whole process of caring for a TPE doll from figuring out what one needs for maintenance, to knowing where and how to store one’s doll properly.
I. Cleaning
Cleaning on a regular basis is an absolute must if you want to keep your TPE doll free of bacteria and dirt. Here is the right way of cleaning step by step:
1. Warm Water and Mild Soap
Take a cloth or sponge-softest possible would be the most preferable one and soak it with some soap(a mild and non abrasive one would be preferred) and warm water.
Wipe the body of the doll carefully using the cloth or sponge, with particular care and attention on the crevices and joints.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
As harsh chemicals, strong solvents or abrasive cleaners can cause damage to TPE material, use none of these. Afterward, the doll must be rinsed very well in order to remove every single trace of the cleaning agent.
3. Pat Dry
Once this is done, take a soft towel, preferably absorbent, and pat the doll’s surface to dry. Rubbing vigorously is not a good idea for it may cause damage through friction.
4. Powder Application
Thinly dust the skin of your doll with talcum powder or cornstarch or even a TPE powder that is made especially for the purpose of keeping the TPE skin smooth and non-sticky.
II. Supplies you will need
A few supplies to help with the proper care of your TPE doll will be:
1.Mild soap or dedicated TPE cleaner:
One can find a gentle, non-abrasive soap or even a dedicated TPE cleaner that is formulated to clean the doll correctly. One has to be sure not to use harsh chemicals or strong solvents as one can damage the TPE.
2. Soft sponge or cloth:
Keeping the surface of the TPE pristine and smooth is a great idea when trying to clean it, a soft sponge or cloth will be helpful to use.
3. Cornstarch or TPE Powder:
When one is finished cleaning the doll one will want to lightly sprinkle it with cornstarch or a TPE powder to keep the doll feeling smooth as well as prevent the TPE from becoming sticky.
4. Water based lubricant:
A water based lubricant will be helpful with keeping the TPE inside the intimate sections of the doll from becoming damaged.
5. Storage Bag or Box
Store TPE dolls when not in use in a proper storage bag or box. There are storage bags available made of a breathable material.
6. Joint Care Kit.
This would be a special care kit made by some manufacturers which includes a tool to take care of the joints of the doll along with other tools.
7. Wig Brush.
If the doll has a wig, use a gentle wig brush to style it.
III. Storage
Do the storage right if you want to keep your TPE doll intact and these are some tips to help you do this:
Cool and Dark Environment
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, the sunlight will fade out your doll and spoil the material hence keep it in a cool and dark place.
Avoid high temperatures and the lowest ones: your doll shouldn’t be placed under the high temperatures or lower than needed hence because TPE is an easy-spoiling material that will be spoiled if temperature changes drastically
Avoid Heavy Pressure
Avoid placing your doll in positions that put great stress on its joints for long periods. Give support with pillows or something else so that its limbs are resting in a natural position.
Use Storage Bag or Box
Get yourself a breathable bag or a box to store your TPE doll safely against dust and other like particles.
Maintain Natural Posture
With an articulated TPE doll, it's advised you store them with an average and natural posture, and with no joint strain or induced deformation.
Proper care of your TPE doll is paramount for it to remain appealing, sterile and durable. Cleaning regimes, suitable cleaning materials and storage solutions represent just some of the fundamental components of proper care. With these guidelines, coupled with the appropriate cleaning materials to purchase, your TPE doll should remain in perfect condition years later.
