How to Clean Mildew off of Plastic Collectibles
While we can't always be the ideal of Mrs. Clean in our busy lives, many of us have cabinets full of passed-down collectibles that need attention, and are covered with dust or mold. Over time this dust can turn to destructive mold, but before you panic follow these easy tips to make sure your heirlooms can be passed down and enjoyed for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- First steps: Strong dish detergent and distilled water
- Rags
- Cotton swabs
- Clean water
- To prevent mildew from returning: Capful of bleach in a bucket of water.
- Sunlight
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Instructions
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Determine amount of damage to your plastic collectible. If the mildew is on clothes (such as a doll or baby doll), remove them carefully and soak them in general detergent in a lukewarm vat or sink.
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Give your collectibles a gentle wiping with damp rags soaked in the soap and water, avoiding face and hair if applicable. Also use cotton swabs to reach hard to reach places, including inside hollows and cracks or joints.
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Rinse with a clean rag and allow all cleaned items to dry in the sun. Do not leave in sun for long periods of time, and make sure to check your garments to make sure they won't shrink in direct sunlight.
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To prevent the mildew from coming back, rinse gently with a very weak water and bleach solution to kill germs and to create a clean surface. This does not apply to clothing. Rinse the clothing in clean water and drip-dry.
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Rinse entire collection in clean water (again, avoid face and clothes if working with dolls), and when clothes are completely dry redress the dolls and let them sit in open air for a night or so.
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Wipe out cabinet that they are returning to with gentle cleaners (germ killers) to prevent the atmosphere from being a part of the problem and carefully replace your collection.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep a close eye on your collection for a few weeks after cleaning to make sure no spots have started to discolor items or you have missed a spot and see mildew regrowing. Repeat process as necessary.
Do not use direct bleach on dolls' faces or eyes as you may discolor their facial painting and eye color, and try to avoid using bleach on cloth as it may be fragile and may decay over time.
Take your time!
