How to Clean Collector Dolls & Clothes
Cleaning a collectible doll and clothing must be geared toward the type, age and condition of the doll. From porcelain to vinyl, every kind of doll has a different cleaning process, and what might be good for one doll could be damaging to another. Research your doll's body and hair materials, age and origin to determine how to specifically clean that certain doll. There are general cleaning tips that you can practice to keep your entire collection properly maintained. Most collections only need the proper storage and display, routine dusting, and periodic inspection of joints and seams to keep them clean.
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Things You'll Need
- Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
- Pantyhose leg
- Rubber band
- Closed display cupboard or acrylic/glass display boxes
- Location out of direct sunlight
- Clean cloth
- Water
- Woolite or baby shampoo
- Art gum eraser
- Baking soda and large zipper plastic bag
Instructions
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Control dust accumulation on your collectible doll by making it a routine to vacuum the doll or collection every couple of months. Place a pantyhose leg over the hose attachment of a vacuum cleaner, securing it with a rubber band, and vacuum the doll, the wig and the clothing. This is usually enough to freshen most dolls.
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Display your doll in a closed cupboard or curio out of direct sunlight. Acrylic or glass display boxes that protect the doll from dust and elements is a good option.
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Control musty or other odors by placing the doll in a large, zipper bag with a box of baking soda that has a few holes punched into it. The baking soda will absorb odors such as must, mildew, smoke and most others without you having to undress or otherwise disturb the doll. Leave the doll in the bag for two weeks and then inspect her for odors. Repeat for longer if necessary.
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Spot-clean minor soiled areas on hard dolls such as porcelain, plastic, wood and composition with an art gum eraser by gently rubbing the soiled area with the eraser. Avoid facial paint.
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Spot-clean vinyl, plastic and porcelain dolls with a clean cloth and a nickel-sized spot of Woolite or baby shampoo added to the damp cloth. Avoid facial paint. Spot-cleaning clothes in this manner can also clean small soiled areas on the fabric.
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Tips & Warnings
If you feel the need to wash a doll's original clothing, and spot-cleaning or baking soda doesn't remove the stain or odor, always hand wash and never dry the article in the clothes dryer. Many collectible dolls have very ornate costumes that when washed will have shrinkage at different rates due to different materials and laces used in the composition of the clothing. Use cotton swabs to get between doll fingers to remove dust.
Never use water on a doll if you don't know the type of materials the doll is made. If in doubt, use an art gum eraser and have the doll examined by a doll doctor.
