How to care for your
Rugaroo doll.
Your Rugaroo is made to be loved, carried, washed, and loved again. With a little care, your doll will stay looking beautiful and adventure-ready for years to come, and for generations after that.
Hand wash only, with love.
Rugaroo dolls are made from premium natural fibres with eco-friendly, hand-applied dyes. To protect the fabric, filling, and colour, we recommend hand washing only. It takes just a few minutes and makes all the difference.
Remove any metal accessories before washing. These should be cared for separately (see below). Set them aside safely so nothing gets lost.
For minor marks, try spot cleaning first with a damp cloth and a small amount of gentle dish washing detergent. Softly work the stain away, do not scrub. The sooner you treat a stain after it occurs, the better the result.
Fill a basin with cool water (30°C maximum) and add a small amount of mild, gentle detergent. Gently submerge the doll and softly work the water through the fabric. Do not scrub or agitate harshly.
Rinse well with clean cool water until no soap residue remains. Soap left in the fabric attracts dirt and can affect the texture over time.
Gently squeeze excess water from the doll. Never wring or twist the doll, as this distorts the shape, damages the filling, and stresses the seams.
Lay a clean towel flat, place the doll on top, and roll them together gently. This absorbs the remaining moisture without putting any strain on the doll.
Lay your Rugaroo flat to air dry in a well-ventilated spot, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not hang to dry, as the weight of the wet filling will pull the shape downward. Adjust and plump the filling from time to time as it dries to help the doll return to its full character shape.
Eco dye note: Our dolls are coloured using eco-friendly, hand-applied dyes which naturally have lower colourfastness than synthetic dyes. Always use cool or 30°C water and avoid soaking for extended periods to protect the colour. This is a feature of our commitment to clean materials, not a fault.
The quick reference guide.
- ✓Hand wash only at 30°C maximum
- ✓Use a mild, gentle detergent
- ✓Spot clean stains as soon as they occur
- ✓Squeeze gently to remove excess water
- ✓Roll in a towel to absorb moisture
- ✓Lay flat to air dry in a ventilated spot
- ✓Plump and adjust the filling while drying
- ✓Remove accessories before washing
- ✗Do not machine wash the doll
- ✗Do not tumble dry
- ✗Do not wring or twist
- ✗Do not hang to dry
- ✗Do not use fabric softener
- ✗Do not use bleach or harsh detergents
- ✗Do not dry in direct sunlight
- ✗Do not dry near a heater or radiator
Caring for the pouch bag.
The kangaroo-inspired pouch bag that comes with your Rugaroo is designed to be used, carried, and washed. It is made to keep up with wherever your little one takes it.
Machine wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softener. Place in a laundry bag or pillowcase for extra protection during the wash.
Air dry only. Do not tumble dry. Lay flat or hang in a ventilated spot away from direct sunlight and heat. Make sure it is fully dry before storing the doll inside.
Caring for handcrafted metal accessories.
Some Rugaroo characters come with small metal accessories, handcrafted with care and finished in eco-friendly, hand-applied colours. These are beautiful little details that deserve a little extra attention.
Metal accessories are handcrafted and painted using an intricate, labour-intensive process. Handle gently to preserve their detail. Avoid shaking, bashing, or dropping them on hard surfaces.
When not in use, store accessories safely with the doll or in the pouch bag. This protects both the accessory and little fingers from sharp edges.
Keep all metal accessories dry and away from prolonged moisture. Never submerge or wash in water. If they get wet, dry immediately with a soft cloth.
Eco-friendly, hand-applied colours naturally have lower colourfastness than synthetic paints. This is a deliberate choice and a sign of our commitment to clean materials, not a defect.
Safety note: All Rugaroo accessories meet the highest toy safety standards. Small accessories are intended for children aged 3 and above. Always supervise younger children during play and store accessories safely when not in use.
Keeping your Rugaroo looking its best between washes.
Between washes, gently dust your Rugaroo with a soft brush or lint roller. This prevents dust and particles from settling deep into the fabric and extends the time between full washes.
The sooner you treat a stain, the better the result. Use a damp cloth with a small amount of gentle dish washing detergent and softly dab, never scrub. Rinse with a clean damp cloth afterwards.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will fade the fabric and eco-friendly dyes over time. Store and display your Rugaroo away from windows and strong light sources.
Storing your Rugaroo.
When your Rugaroo is not in use, store it properly to keep it looking its best for the long term.
The Rugaroo pouch bag is the perfect storage companion. It is breathable, protective, and keeps your doll clean and dust-free between adventures.
Store in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Avoid damp areas which can cause mildew in natural fibres.
Never store in plastic. Plastic bags trap moisture and can cause mildew in natural fibre dolls. Always use a breathable cotton bag or the Rugaroo pouch bag for storage.
Made to last. Loved to last longer.
Rugaroo dolls are heirloom-quality pieces, designed to be kept and passed down. Natural wear over time is part of the story, not a fault. A well-loved Rugaroo is a beautiful thing.
If you have any questions about caring for your Rugaroo or believe there is a genuine fault with your doll, please reach out to us. We are always happy to help.
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