How to Clean Antique Porcelain Dolls

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By Aksana Nikolai
eHow Contributing Writer

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Many people collect antique porcelain dolls, be it for investment purposes or simply for the love of these treasures. Whether you want to display the doll in your home or sell it for a profit, periodically caring for and cleaning your porcelain doll is a good idea.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Towel
Feather duster
Mild dish soap
Small bowl
Washcloth
Paper towel

Step 1

Remove the doll's clothing. Put the doll on top of a soft towel on a flat surface where it won't roll away or fall.
Step 2

Remove any dust from the doll's face and body with a soft feather duster.
Step 3

Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a small bowl. If you are cleaning only one doll, 1/2 tsp. of soap should be sufficient. Use more soap if cleaning several dolls.
Step 4

Dip a soft, nonabrasive washcloth into the mixture and gently wipe any grime and dirt from the doll. If you are cleaning an all- porcelain doll, wipe the entire body and face. If working with a doll that has a soft body made of cloth, wash only the face, arms and legs.
Step 5

Gently pat the doll dry with a paper towel once it is clean.

Tips & Warnings

Most antique dolls have experienced a lot of wear and tear during their life, so don't them to get 100 percent clean and sparkling. But don't let this discourage you. After all, the wear and tear is part of the doll's charm.
Washing an antique porcelain doll is not like washing a Barbie. Care and caution is essential, therefore young children should not be allowed to do this unsupervised.