How to Get Mildew Out of Rag Dolls

Mildew and rag dolls are a bad combination.

Even a little mildew in the outer fabric of a rag doll is a serious problem. The mildew can easily spread from the fabric to the interior stuffing or into other dolls or furniture fabric. Mildew also aggravates some allergies and produces undesirable odors. Whether the rag doll is a collectible or a child's toy, mildew is a problem that demands a prompt and thorough response, but one that does not damage the doll.

Things You'll Need

• Mildew remover spray
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Remove any clothing that is not stitched into the rag doll, and wash it separately.

2. Spray all mildew-infested areas with mildew remover. Gently scrub these areas with a damp sponge.

3. Wring out and rinse your sponge, and then rinse the doll thoroughly with clean water. Put the doll in a washing machine, and run the spin cycle to drain the doll. If you do not have a washing machine, roll up the doll in a dry towel, and press gently on the doll, using the towel to soak up the water.

4. Set the doll out in full sunshine to complete the mildew removal and dry the doll.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use the washing machine to clean the rag doll. Most rag dolls are too fragile for machine washing.

• Some mildew remover contains bleach, which should not be used on colored or fragile fabrics, so check the label before applying it to a rag doll. If a less harsh mildew-killing agent is required, lemon juice and salt or white vinegar can be used as a substitute.

References

• PrillyCharmin: Cleaning Cloth Body Dolls
• Michigan State University Extension: Removing Mildew From Carpets
• "Reader's Digest": Mildew Cleaning Solutions