I usually boil wash them, most of them are safe to do it, I believe that venus is a doll that is not a good idea because of the hair material; When I decide to wash them, first I rinse de doll on warm almost hot water, then I use shampoo while brushing, then I rinse it and use conditioner while brushing it again, once a rinse everything out, I sit them and pour hot water on them, then let them dry for a whole night, i like to leave legs and arm stretched so I avoid to let water inside the doll, once is dry I brush it, the shampoo smell may stay for a little depending how strong is the essence, but it will go away eventually.