How do you keep yours?

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How do you keep yours?
How do you keep yours?

This is a post to discuss & share tips on what's worked for you & can help maintain the quality of anything really. Whether it's a collection you found tucked away at home or one you have rescued from a flea market... maybe you'd just like to share how you turned one person's junk into your treasure.
I can update and add links etc to others before & after pictures if they like, just think of it as a quick reference page!

Rapid changes in temperatures can cause havoc, so take note of your general climate. (my dolls have had to deal with smoke damage and possible damp from flooding) Does anyone smoke in your household - notice the nicotine stains?That may cause 'yellow' on the face.

Those wrapped in cheap plain kitchen roll or tissue paper have survived better. Acid free is best.

1. Before: I've found even those stored away in their original boxes have had the elastics/ transparent strap disintegrate. Give those on display a dusting time to time.

2. Check what type of hair tie is used: left is a clear band that has broken down from the late 90s, on the right is a rubber band that has become fused, if you have one like this replace it now! It's better to have one that breaks than one that'll stick to the hair (look to see if it's under a material hair band that has placed over the top i.e. Cool Teen Pearl)

3. My mini Belle was one that had a certain type of elastic I put on that is still going strong..! Here I've replaced the old elastic with the former type - spare orthodontic bands! It seems only medical grade will do, lol, check if your pharmacy sells them.

4. After: Here I removed what had disintegrated. A doll may appear clean; but after a wipe down just look... I've included a clean cotton bud for comparison. I use the bud dry first to remove light dust, then soaked the cotton to use around the face and upper torso. The cotton bud is handy used on its side if you need to rub to remove any dirt marks as well. Using separate torn cotton to mop up the water (or used wet to wipe larger areas) just to check areas were dry.

I have a few old dolls that had plastic removable fronts to their packaging, similar to the DS LE dolls, which have suffered discolouration. It's a good idea to routinely check on these types.

Some dolls vary in their hardiness: Tyco Ariel is more prone to having a leg pop off due to age...
Battery operated: Tuptim leaked - yet Arabian Lights Jasmine is still powering on from the 90s!

What do you use to remove marks or clean surfaces? Is there anything you would suggest, it can be anything! such as boil washing only certain types of hair

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Taken on: October 18, 2012
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