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How to Store Old Barbie Dolls

When the first Barbie came out the 1959, parents were taken aback by the doll with breast and a tiny waist. But it didn't take long for little girls to embrace her. In 1959, a Barbie cost $3:00. Today, collectors will pay several thousand dollars for some old Barbie dolls. The earlier dolls that have never been taken out of the box and some special holiday dolls may bring higher prices. The best place to store a Barbie is in a glass showcase. However, if you don't have a case, special precautions need to be taken to preserve the doll.

Things You'll Need

Buffered-acid-free tissue paper
Damp soft cloth
Storage box

Instructions

- 1
  Keep Barbie in original cardboard box, if possible. If she's in a plastic carrying case, remove doll from the case because moisture can accumulate in the case and the doll may mold.
- 2
  Undress Barbie and remove accessories. Remove earrings or necklaces. They may turn green or rust. Place the clothes flat between acid-free tissue paper. Wrap any doll jewelry separate.
- 3
  Wipe dust off Barbie with a slightly damp soft cloth. Do not clean with soap and water. If Barbie is dirty, take the doll to a professional doll cleaner for cleaning.
- 4
  Wrap her in unbuffered-acid-free tissue paper. Put a small, separate piece around her hair for extra protection. If the doll is in an original box, wrap the outside of box in the acid free tissue paper.
- 5
  Stand the doll, in the original box, up in a storage box. Placing the box down will cause the back of the doll's hair to be flat.
- 6
  Place the clothes, accessories and jewelry down on the bottom of a cardboard storage box. Place the wrapped Barbie on top of clothes. Place in closet for storage.

Other Collecting