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How to Whiten Yellowed Breyer Horses

Breyer models, which were made by Breyer Animal Creations, are popular collector's items, but the model's plastic can fade to a yellow color with age. Exposure to cigarette smoke can also contribute to the discoloring, which is especially noticeable on the horse's white markings and gives the model an old and dirty appearance. With careful cleaning, cherished Breyer models that have yellowed with age can be whitened again.

Things You'll Need

Yellowed Breyer model
Rubber dishwashing gloves
Hot water
Bleach
Measuring cup
Large bucket
Toothbrush or small cloth

Instructions

For Models Which Are Entirely White
- 1
  Wash the model thoroughly with warm water and a gentle dish detergent. Be sure to thoroughly remove any dirt and oils on the model.
- 2
  Put on rubber dishwashing gloves.
- 3
  Pour 4 gallons of hot water into a bucket large enough to submerge the model.
- 4
  Add 1 cup bleach to the bucket and stir.
- 5
  Submerge the model in the bleach mixture and let it soak.
- 6
  Check on the model repeatedly, and only leave it in the solution long enough to return it to its white color. Do not soak the model for longer than one hour.
- 7
  Remove the model and rinse thoroughly. Be sure that all water drains out of the inside of the model through its air hole, often located by the model's mouth.
For Pintos, Appaloosas, or Models Which Are Not Entirely White
- 8
  Wash the model thoroughly with warm water and a gentle dish detergent. Be sure to thoroughly remove any dirt and oils on the model.
- 9
  Put on rubber dishwashing gloves.
- 10
  Pour 4 gallons of hot water into a bucket.
- 11
  Add 2 cups of bleach and mix well.
- 12
  Scrub only the white areas of the model with a small cloth or a toothbrush dipped in the solution.
- 13
  Rinse the model thoroughly. Be sure that all water drains out of the inside of the model through its air hole, often located by the model's mouth.

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