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In this issue, doll care basics involves removing dust and dirt from dolls.
Eyes - A cotton swab soaked in sewing machine oil can be used to remove crystallization that develops on some play line dolls from the 50's-70s. Do not apply too much pressure to avoid removing the eye from its socket. A moistened cotton swab can be used to remove debris from most other doll eyes.
Dust - A computer vacuum is an excellent device to remove dust from dolls. An alternative to a computer vacuum is a handheld vacuum or using the attachments of your home vacuum. To minimize the suction, cover the vacuum attachment with a panty hose and then dust away. A gentle shake from time to time also will remove dust. To render your dolls totally dust-free, doll cases, trunks, plastic doll covers and other cover-ups can be used, but these decrease their full view.
Soiled Vinyl or Hard Plastic - Mr. Clean is an excellent choice to remove soil from vinyl dolls. A mild dish detergent (like ivory or other colorless detergent) or diluted Orange Glow can be used to clean hard plastic dolls. Some have suggested that 409 can be used to clean hard plastic dolls, but I have never used 409.
Composition Dolls - Never use water on composition dolls! An Internet search revealed that Liquid Jubilee Kitchen Wax (not aerosol) works well at buffing composition dolls to a like-new shine. This is supposed to clean and conditions the composition at the same time.
Clothing - As long as the fabric is washable, it is best to hand wash clothing using regular clothing detergent. For fine washables, hand wash in Woolite. Lie the clothing flat to dry or hang dry. Never machine wash your dolls’ clothing.
Handy Cleaning Tools - Tooth picks and old toothbrushes can be used to remove dust and dirt from hard to reach areas such as the ears, nostrils, dimpled areas and other nooks and crannies. Periodically brushing your doll with a soft bristle brush such as a baby's hair brush, will also remove small dust particles without damaging the doll.
Watch for additional doll care basics in the next issue of Black Doll-E-Zine.
If you have doll care basics that you would like to share with our readers, please let us know. If your tip is included in a future issue of Black Doll-E-Zine, you will be given credit for your contribution.
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