Caring for a companion doll

A companion doll is a big purchase, and most of what decides how it looks in five years happens in the first few weeks of ownership. The habits are simple. They just need to be consistent, and they differ a little depending on the material.

What follows is the routine for both silicone and TPE, along with handling and the small repairs that come up eventually. Your maker's manual always comes first, since construction varies between brands. Treat this as the general picture.

Know your material

Before anything else, confirm what your doll is made of. The two common materials behave differently.

Silicone is firmer and more heat-stable. It's also non-porous, so it's easier to keep clean and more resistant to stains. It needs less upkeep day to day.

TPE is softer and squishier, and usually less expensive. It's also porous and more delicate. It picks up stains more easily and can tear if it's stretched hard, and it needs regular powdering to stay soft and matte.

Our guide to choosing a premium companion doll covers the trade-offs in more detail. The care pages for silicone and TPE and TPR go further on the materials themselves.

Cleaning the body

For both materials, the basics are the same. Use a mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water. Never hot. Heat can soften TPE and stress seams on either material.

• Wash with a soft cloth or sponge, working gently rather than scrubbing.
• Rinse well so no soap residue is left behind, since residue can leave the skin feeling tacky.
• Pat dry with a soft, lint-free towel. Don't rub.
• Let the doll air-dry fully before dressing or storing it.

Avoid alcohol and solvents, and skip bleach and abrasive pads too. Any of them can strip pigment or leave TPE sticky. A full bath is rarely necessary. Spot-cleaning after use and a fuller clean every few weeks is plenty for most owners.

If your doll has a neck joint or head attachment, keep water away from it and from any internal heating or electronics. Many owners remove the head before a full clean.

Cleaning after use

Internal areas need the most attention, since that's where moisture and bacteria collect.

Removable inserts make this much easier. If yours has one, take it out and wash it with soap and lukewarm water. Rinse it thoroughly, then let it dry completely before it goes back in.

For fixed internal channels, most makers recommend an irrigation bulb or a cleaning tool designed for the purpose, used with soapy lukewarm water and then clean water. Drying is just as important as washing. Absorbent drying sticks or a rolled, lint-free cloth help pull out moisture, and leaving the area open to air for a while finishes the job. Trapped moisture is the fastest way to grow odor or mold.

Using a condom makes cleanup much simpler and protects the material, especially with TPE.

Skin care

TPE benefits from a light dusting of renewal or maintenance powder after it's fully dry. It keeps the skin soft and matte and stops it feeling tacky. Choose a cornstarch-based product over talc if the maker allows it, and brush off any excess with a soft makeup brush.

Silicone doesn't need powder for softness, though some owners use a little to reduce surface tackiness or dust pickup. Follow the maker's conditioning routine, if they recommend one.

On either material, only use products the maker approves. Ordinary lotions and oils can damage TPE in particular.

Lubricant

Water-based lube is the safe choice for both materials. Avoid silicone-based lube on silicone dolls, since it can damage the surface. Oil-based products are hard on TPE. Our guide to choosing and using lubricant explains the pairings.

Clothing and stain prevention

Dye transfer is the most common cosmetic problem, and it's almost always permanent on TPE. A few rules prevent nearly all of it:

• Wash new clothing several times before it touches the doll.
• Favor light colors and white, especially for anything tight-fitting.
• Avoid dark denim, cheap printed fabrics, and anything that's bled in the wash before.
• Don't leave the doll lying on dark sheets, upholstery, or newsprint.

If a stain does appear, contact the maker before trying a home remedy. Some sell stain removers made for their material, and using the wrong product can make it worse.

Handling and lifting

Full-size dolls are heavy and awkward, and the most common injury in ownership is to the owner's back. Lift with your legs, keep the doll close to your body, and get help or use a trolley for longer moves.

Never lift or drag the doll by its arms or neck. Support it under the torso and knees. Fingers are the most fragile part of most skeletons, so avoid bending them past their natural range or catching them on clothing.

When posing, move joints slowly and within a natural human range. Forcing a pose stresses both the skeleton and the skin over the joint, and that's where tears begin. If a joint feels stiff or starts to creak, check the manual rather than pushing through.

Storage

Store the doll lying flat or hung as the manufacturer specifies. Many makers sell a neck-bolt hanging kit for exactly this purpose, and a padded storage case is worth considering if you need to keep it out of sight.

Pick a storage spot that stays cool and dry, with no direct sun. Radiators and heating vents should be well away from it. Leave the limbs in a relaxed, neutral position, since a pose held for weeks can crease the skin or strain a joint. Cover it with a clean, light-colored sheet to keep dust off.

If you're working out where a doll will live in a shared home, our guide to designing a discreet intimate space covers storage that blends into a bedroom, and our discretion page explains how Braise keeps your own browsing private.

Heat and warming

Some dolls have built-in heating. Use it exactly as the maker directs and keep the controls and charging port dry. Don't improvise with electric blankets or hot water bottles, which can damage TPE and create a burn or electrical risk.

Small repairs

Minor wear happens. Small tears in TPE can often be repaired, and many makers sell repair kits or offer instructions. Silicone repairs usually need a matching silicone adhesive. For anything more than a small nick, contact the manufacturer first. Established makers often provide replacement parts and repair guidance, which is one of the reasons buying from them is worth it. The RealDoll Wicked and WM Doll premium silicone reviews both touch on maker support.

A simple routine

• After each use: clean, rinse, and dry the areas used. Powder TPE once it's dry.
• Every few weeks: a gentle all-over clean and a check for stains, tears, or stiff joints.
• Every few months: check the wig, clothing, and hanging hardware, and give silicone any conditioning the maker suggests.

Care is part of owning a doll. A little done regularly protects what's usually a significant investment, and the doll looks and feels far better for it.