Washing your Dolls

Sunshine Dolls are washable. All of the materials used can withstand water.

If your Sunshine Doll is a little dirty, it can be washed with a soft flannel and a little liquid wool detergent or baby shampoo. Rub in one direction, following the grainline. The soap can be rinsed off carefully under running water. This way, the doll won't get soaked and can quickly be played with again.

If the doll is soiled inside as well due to an "accident," it must be completely bathed. Prepare some lukewarm soapy water using a moderate amount of detergent. To ensure the soapy water reaches all the wool inside the doll, gently squeeze the doll while you wash it, and while rinsing it as well. After rinsing, wrap the doll in a large towel and close it well (you can use an elastic band or a pillow case) before putting it in the spin dryer. This will protect the doll. Try to spin-dry as briefly as possible.

Please be aware that it can be unpleasant or even upsetting for children to see their doll being dunked, squeezed and spin dried. It is advisable to specifically avoid them seeing their doll in the spin drier. 
The doll will lose some shape when the wool gets wet. Please don't be alarmed by this. Massage the doll occasionally while it is drying to restore its shape. The best way to dry a doll completely and quickly is in a hammock outside in the wind.

Once the doll is completely dry, you can colour in the face again: the eyes and mouth can be touched up using colour pencils. Don't wet the colour pencils and never use felt-tip pens, as they tend to dominate the facial expression and can also stain when wet. A touch of blush can be added to the cheeks with some beeswax crayon on a piece of cloth.