Cleaning Dolls
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1113 -- More Projects »
TIPical Mary Ellen host Mary Ellen Pinkham shares tips for caring for and cleaning dolls.
- Use a can of air spray to remove dust from small crevices on collectible dolls (figure A).
- Clean a small plastic or vinyl doll with a mild liquid dishwashing soap and warm water. Use a cotton swab dipped in the soapy water to clean the face. Sprinkle cornstarch in the hair, removing any excess with a hairbrush for dolls.
A multipurpose household cleaner spray can also be used to clean the doll's body (figure B). Be careful not to use alcohol or acetone on painted areas. Spray on and rub gently with soft cloth. Spray again with water to remove any excess cleaner.Shampoo dolls hair with a mild liquid dishwashing soap. Wet the hair with warm water, lather and rinse. If the hair is greasy, shampoo in a little multipurpose household spray. To remove tangles, mix together one tablespoon of fabric softener with two cups warm water. Add this to freshly washed hair and comb through. Rinse with hot water.Remove tough stains on plastic or vinyl dolls with a blemish remover. Cover the stain with the cream and place in a sunlit window. Let sit for 24 hours. Repeat if necessary.
To clean hard plastic figurines, place them in a large plastic bag (figure C). Spray with furniture polish and seal the bag. Let sit overnight. Polish with a thin towel.*Note: Not for small children who might put toys in their mouths.
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