Preventing stains

How to Prevent Stains on the TPE: Complete Guide

TPE, the material used for torso dolls, is sensitive to stains due to its oil-rich composition. You may be wondering why and how this phenomenon occurs? Here is a simple explanation and tips to protect your doll from unsightly stains, especially when using dark clothing.

Why is TPE so sensitive to stains?

The TPE contains a certain amount of oil to maintain its soft and realistic texture. When a garment, especially a tight-fitting one, is placed on your doll, it exerts more or less strong pressure on its surface. This pressure slightly compresses the TPE, which has the effect of pushing the oil towards the surface of the doll's skin.

In this process, the oil may end up absorbing the layer of talc that you apply, before seeping into the fibers of the fabric. If the garment is dyed, especially if it is dark, the pigments may detach from the fabric and be absorbed by the surface of the TPE, causing stains.

What colors of clothing are problematic?

"Almost all colors can potentially transfer onto the TPE, especially if the clothing is tight-fitting or very snug. However, dark clothing (particularly blacks, reds, and deep blues) presents a higher risk of residual dye. This risk increases if the clothing is not washed properly beforehand or if the material is in prolonged contact with the doll's skin."

"Some stains are fortunately superficial; sometimes, a good wash is enough. Tantaly also offers a stain remover product available in the accessories section."

How to prevent stains?

There are several tips to protect your TPE doll from stains:

1. Always test before dressing your doll: If you have an insert or a sample of TPE available, first try your clothes on this small surface. Test the materials under different conditions (washing, pressure) before putting them on your doll.
2. Generously powder sensitive areas: Talc absorbs the oil seepage from the TPE, forming a protective barrier against clothing pigments. It’s much more than just an improvement in feel – it’s your first line of defense against stains.
3. Wash your clothes thoroughly: Here is a recommended test to check if your clothes are safe to use:
• Test 1 : Soak the garment in lukewarm water (30°C) with detergent and a little white vinegar. If the test is successful (no bleeding), proceed to the next step.
• Test 2 : Repeat the same test at 40°C. If all goes well, continue.
• Test 3 : Apply a pressure of about 5 kg on the garment for 24 hours. If no dye transfers, try with a pressure of 30 kg for 24 hours. If, after these tests, the TPE has not changed color, your garment is likely safe to use.

1. Monitor sensitive areas: Some parts of your doll's body are more likely to stain depending on the type of clothing:

• Shoulders : When they are covered by tight-fitting clothing like tops.
• Chest : Very exposed with fitted bodysuits or tight bras.
• Hips and belly: High risk if your doll wears pants, mini-shorts, or tight underwear.
• Buttocks : If the doll is sitting or wearing tight pants, the pressure applied may promote color transfer.

The ideal washing protocol

Before dressing your doll, make sure to wash the garment properly. Here are the recommended steps:

1. Hand wash at 30°C with mild detergent and white vinegar to set the colors.
2. Repeat the process at 40°C to ensure that no dye remains.
3. Perform pressure tests to check that the garment does not bleed under a pressure of 5 kg, then 30 kg for 24 hours each.

If, after these tests, the TPE of your doll remains unchanged, then you have won! Your clothing is now safe to use. This process may seem long, but it is worth taking these precautions to avoid difficult-to-remove stains.

One last piece of advice: favor light-colored clothing.

Although I offer dark clothing in my shop, I recommend prioritizing light clothing. They carry a much lower risk of color transfer and require fewer precautions. That said, if you are a fan of black or dark clothing, these steps will help you minimize risks and fully enjoy your doll, without any unpleasant surprises.

By following these tips, you will effectively protect your doll from stains while enjoying your favorite outfits. Remember: an excess of caution is always preferable to keep your doll in perfect condition.

Here is the risk you run if you are not careful, use unsuitable clothing, or leave your dark clothing on your doll for too long: