Washing handmade dolls?

[mamaveggie]

I have a doll from my childhood that is like a raggedy ann that my mother wouldn't let me play with. She looks sturdy still, but she spent 20 years on a shelf not being played with and another 5 years in the basement. I found her and I want to give her to my dd to play with, but she is musty smelling. I took off her clothes and washed them in woolite and I am sunning out the stains now, but I didn't know what to do with her. I figured that you doll makers might have some suggestions.
Thanks,
Rebecca

[KariM]

I'm not a doll maker, but I've successfully washed rag dolls before.

I just put them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle and they came out fine. I did that with my raggedy ann doll when I wanted to pass it down to my son.

[cinnamama]

You could always put her in a pillowcase when you wash her. One of dd1's dolls came with washing directions that recommended that.

[mamaveggie]

Thanks for the machine suggestion. I didn't think to do that. Do I use regular detergent or woolite?

[operamommy]

Originally Posted by mamaveggie

I have a doll from my childhood that is like a raggedy ann that my mother wouldn't let me play with. She looks sturdy still, but she spent 20 years on a shelf not being played with and another 5 years in the basement. I found her and I want to give her to my dd to play with

Good on you. Dolls are meant to be loved up close.

[boheime]

You might also put some tea tree oil in the wash to get out any musty/mildewy smells that it may have.