How to Clean and Maintain Your American Girl Doll's Hair and Outfits

American Girl dolls are more than toys—they're cherished companions, collectors' items, and often passed down through generations. Whether your doll is a beloved playmate or a display piece, keeping her hair silky and her outfits pristine ensures she stays beautiful for years. Regular care prevents tangles, dust buildup, and fabric wear. In this guide, we'll cover simple, effective methods to clean and maintain both doll hair and clothing, using gentle techniques and products you probably already have at home.

From the delicate curls of a Bitty Baby® to the long locks of a Girl of the Year™ doll, each hair type requires a slightly different approach. Similarly, doll clothes—from everyday play outfits to special occasion dresses—need proper cleaning to avoid fading or damage. Let's dive into the best practices for doll care, so your American Girl doll always looks her best.

Cleaning Your Doll's Hair: Step-by-Step

American Girl doll hair is made from high-quality synthetic fibers that can be gently washed and styled. Start by brushing the hair with a wide-tooth comb or a doll hairbrush to remove loose tangles. If the hair is very tangled, apply a small amount of fabric softener diluted in water (1 part softener to 3 parts water) and work through the knots with your fingers or a comb. Avoid using human hair products, as they can leave residue.

For a deeper clean, fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a drop of mild shampoo or baby shampoo. Submerge only the doll's hair (not the body) and gently swish it around. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, then blot excess water with a towel. Do not rub. Let the hair air-dry completely before styling. For curly hair, you can re-define curls by wrapping sections around straws or small rollers while damp.

• Always brush from the ends upward to avoid pulling out hair.
• Never use hot water—it can damage the fibers.
• For stubborn tangles, use a detangling spray made for dolls or a tiny bit of conditioner.

Maintaining Doll Clothes and Outfits

Doll clothes can accumulate dust, dirt, and stains from play. Most American Girl doll outfits are machine-washable on a gentle cycle in a lingerie bag, but hand washing is safest. Use cold water and a mild detergent. Gently scrub stains with a soft toothbrush or your fingers. Rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can damage the fabric and elastic.

For delicate pieces like the AG SistersTM Glitz & Glam Fashion Set, which features sequins and glitter, spot cleaning is best. Use a damp cloth with a tiny drop of mild soap, then blot dry. For cotton or linen outfits, you can iron on a low setting (with the garment inside out) to remove wrinkles. Always store clothes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

• Turn clothes inside out before washing to protect embellishments.
• Air-dry all doll clothes—do not use a dryer.
• For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply, let sit, then rinse.

Caring for Special Doll Accessories

Accessories like shoes, jewelry, and playsets also need care. Plastic accessories can be wiped with a damp cloth; avoid submerging them if they have metal parts. For fabric accessories like the Bitty Baby's Travel Seat, spot clean with a mild detergent and air dry. The Play & Display Doll Stand | Truly Me helps keep your doll upright and reduces wear on her clothes and hair during display.

If your doll has painted accessories, such as the American Girl® Disney Princess Rapunzel Painting Accessories & Pascal, handle them carefully to avoid chipping. Store small pieces in a zip-top bag or container to prevent loss. For dolls like Raquel (Girl of the Year™ 2026), her Raquel'sTM Pickleball Set includes a paddle and ball—clean these with a damp cloth after active play.

• Use a soft, dry paintbrush to dust off delicate accessories.
• Keep accessories organized in a tackle box or craft bin.
• Avoid exposing painted items to extreme temperatures.

General Doll Maintenance Tips

Beyond hair and clothes, your American Girl doll benefits from overall care. Wipe the vinyl body with a damp cloth to remove dust. For scuffs or marks, a magic eraser (dampened) works wonders—test on a small area first. Store your doll in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading. If displaying, rotate the doll occasionally to prevent uneven fading.

For Bitty Baby® dolls, like the Bitty Baby® Doll #6 with red hair in Blue, follow similar care but be extra gentle with their soft bodies. The Sprinkle of Stars Outfit for Bitty Baby® Dolls is machine-washable in a lingerie bag. For potty training play, the Bitty Baby® | Bitty’sTM Let’s Go Potty Set can be wiped clean with a disinfectant wipe (non-bleach). Regular maintenance keeps your doll looking like new.

• Keep dolls away from pets and small children who might pull hair.
• Use a doll stand to prevent falls and damage.
• Check for loose limbs or buttons periodically and tighten or reattach as needed.

With these simple care routines, your American Girl doll will stay beautiful and ready for adventures. For more doll care essentials, explore our Accessories collection—like the AGTM Star Tiara for Girls & 18-inch Dolls, perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to your doll's look after a fresh clean.