any hints on what to use on cloth-bodied dolls that got wet and are now musty and moldy?
Answers:
I would first need to know what material is used as the stuffing underneath the cloth body.
Many delicate fabrics come out well from just soaking (or gentle agitation) in Joy dish detergent. Even better when a little water softener is added.
20 Mule Team Borax is a great multi use product. Check out a box, it will explain itself.
If the dolls are not antiques or hand made they might have a label stating what the fill is and if it is washable. And the washing isn't my concern, it's getting it dry that causes a variety of potential woes. Otherwise, you can spray the surface then blot with clean white paper towels which can take many, many repetitions, but will do the job without any damage to the fabric or stitching. No scrubbing or rubbing. Be patient and persistent and it will pay off.
Other answers:
Can they be machine washed? If no, Febreze the tar out of them and let the sit outside in the sun for a couple of days. Good luck!
Can they be machine washed? If no, Febreze the tar out of them and let the sit outside in the sun for a couple of days. Good luck!
Spray them with vim oxygel in the blue spray bottle( always works! ) let it sit for a min. then put them in the wash on gentle and hang them with pins on the clotheline...oh, add a small bit of bleach to the wash.....SMALL BIT!...if that doesn't work well....you could try toothpaste........it's happened to me before too.......sentimental birthday gifts.... :(
Hope it works!