How do I clean an antique muslin doll?

Use mild soap on a washcloth that has been wrung-out well.

Here is some info on washing antique fabrics. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.marthastewart.com/1110959/golden-rules-washing-vintage-items&ved=2ahUKEwjn4uDlsrHtAhWpyDgGHWWTD-kQFjAJegQIIRAB&usg=AOvVaw2bz7fcNI3-Jyx1biaECAOa

Use 1/2 cup oxygen bleach (such as Oxyclean-I use the powdered oxygen based bleach from dollar tree) in 2-3 gallons of water, soak your doll in this. Then air dry after rinsing.

But if the fabric appears fragile, it should be professionally cleaned.

Hi there Pen, this article will help out with cleaning your antique muslin doll - https://www.marthastewart.com/1110959/golden-rules-washing-vintage-items

Hang the cloth doll or lay flat on a towel to dry to avoid shrinking or damage to the doll's delicate parts. If you've determined that the cloth doll can withstand the power of a washing machine, toss her in on the gentle cycle and wash in hot water with laundry detergent.

If you decide to wash in a machine, I would place inside a lingerie bag. If too large for that, use a pillow case. However, I would probably go the safe route and use warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth to wipe the surface. You can use a stuffed animal spray cleaner or febreeze for upholstery if it has a smell you are trying to eliminate.

Hi Pen, I would use a mild soap like Dawn mixed with water to gently clean her. Once she has been cleaned, lay her flat to dry and let her air dry so that she does not shrink or get damaged.

The best thing to do with a handmade doll like this would be to do as little as possible. You could try to wash the clothes (if they come off) by hand with some Woolite, rinse well and hang to dry. Not knowing how the fabric has aged, I would hesitate to put them in the washing machine. For the doll itself, I would vacuum her through a screen while using the brush attachment so that her hair is not sucked up into the vacuum nozzle. Preferably, you would use a vacuum with variable suction and use a low setting to not damage anything. Resist the urge to throw her in the washing machine.

If the doll has surface dirt try a Magic eraser. It can be found in stationary stores. It is a white very soft pencil eraser that comes in a block 1" x 2 1/4". Made by Sanford. Used for paperwork but super gentle for removing dirt on delicate items.

Here is some info for you, Pen.

http://theantiquesalmanac.com/caringforyourantiquedolls.htm

https://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/cc59.html

Here's a post that might help - https://mom.com/momlife/5969-how-clean-cloth-doll#:~:text=Hang%20the%20cloth%20doll%20or,to%20the%20doll's%20delicate%20parts.&text=If%20you've%20determined%20that,hot%20water%20with%20laundry%20detergent.

Baking soda sprinkled and let stay overnight then vacuum with the attachment that does upholstery

Hi Pen. I would hand wash your antique doll using cold water and a gentle laundry detergent. Perhaps a detergent used on baby clothes like Dreft. Lay the doll flat on a towel to dry.

Here is a simple doll you can make and tweak as needed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPQ2mbIsfKA

Hello,

Try using Wet Wipes or Baby Wipes!

This may help https://homeguides.sfgate.com/how-to-wash-muslin-clothing-13422869.html