Porcelain dolls can last a lifetime, if you take good care of them. You can repair them or keep them in good condition with a little attention and the right care. If you handle them carefully, clean them thoroughly, and repair them when they break, you can keep them in perfect condition.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Handle the Doll
Step 1. Always use a pair of gloves
Porcelain dolls are very fragile, so they must be handled with great care. It is not a necessary precaution if it is a toy for children. However, in case it is a collectible or display doll, it is always best to wear a pair of cotton gloves when handling it, as the skin oil could stain the porcelain and clothes and attract dust.
Step 2. Place it on a towel to protect it
When you clean or dress it, do not place it directly on the table but on a towel: this will protect it from dirt and stains and, by adding a protective layer, will prevent it from breaking.
Step 3. Store it safely in a container
If it is a collectible doll, or you want to keep it in a safe place, store it in its packaging or in a ventilated container. You can buy a doll cabinet online that is right for you, but if you are a smoker, store it in an airtight container to prevent stains. The doll should always be protected from sunlight and stored at room temperature, not extreme temperatures.
Place it not too close to the windows, to prevent the high temperatures and strong light coming from outside from ruining it
Step 4. Detangle the hair
Use a special comb and proceed with care, keeping the hairline dry, otherwise the glue may lose its grip and the wig may come off. Straight synthetic hair can be gently brushed with an iron brush, while curly hair should not be brushed, otherwise it could get damaged.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Doll
Step 1. Dust it
Do this regularly, using a powder puff or a large, soft brush. This way you will keep it clean and you can avoid giving it a deep clean. If there is stubborn dust, you can put the doll in a nylon stocking and then pass it with a vacuum cleaner, or use an air compressor set at minimum power. If you don't use the stocking, her hair could wrinkle, tangle and get damaged: in case you don't have one available, you can cover her hair with your hands.
Step 2. Clean the porcelain
You can gently clean it with a dry cloth or sponge, using a small amount of water if necessary, but without overdoing it. Rub the cloth or sponge on the doll, making sure you rub, not scratch, otherwise you could risk removing the paint - especially the makeup on your face.
You can clean crevices and hard-to-reach places (such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears) with a cotton swab or toothbrush. Make sure to proceed gently, especially around the lashes
Step 3. Remove any stains from the porcelain
If there are any, you can try to gently remove them, using a drop of mild detergent diluted in water to rub the stain. Always test a hidden spot on the doll first, as soap or baking soda may remove the paint.
Step 4. Wash her hair
If they are particularly dirty, you can gently remove the glue from the wig with your fingers wet with water. Use water and a glass cleaner to clean synthetic hair and a mild detergent for human hair. When the wig has dried completely you can re-attach it with white glue.
Part 3 of 3: Repair the Doll
Step 1. Solve the problem of dull eyes
If they are clouded and crystallized, you can repair them using a drop of sewing machine oil. Spread it on your eyes, then place the doll face down, leaving it to act for about an hour. Be sure to check it from time to time to make sure that the oil has not dripped onto the porcelain. It is very important to use only a small amount and that it does not touch other parts of the doll: if you are not careful, the sewing machine oil can cause cracks.
Step 2. Adjust your clothes
Repair any holes by sewing them by hand. If you notice dirt or stains on your clothes, you can take them out and wash them, trying to remove any accessories first. Wash them by hand in cold water and let them air dry.
Step 3. Take her to a restoration shop for repair
In case it has any cracks or you feel like you can't fix it yourself, take it to one of the many specialized doll repair shops. You can search the internet for "doll hospitals" or "doll restoration" in your area to find one that is right for you.
Warnings
- Do not scratch the doll, otherwise you may remove the paint.
- Do not use harsh chemicals.
- Always try soap or baking soda on a hidden spot on the doll before proceeding.
- Be careful: porcelain dolls are fragile.
