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Instructions for Cleaning Compo Dolls

Composition dolls that are American made can be traced back to 1899. The composition doll era sparked the American doll industry. The compo doll was made of a heavy, glue-based composition. Sawdust was the main compo doll component in the hot press, hot mold system. If your doll is in dire condition, take her to a doll repair and restoration consultant. However, there are some cleaning methods you can employ at home. There is much debate over the cleaning and care of compo dolls. There is no question regarding their position in America's history or their need for special care.

Things You'll Need

Soft paintbrush
White hankie
Cotton swabs
Glass wax
Sewing machine oil
Disposable gloves

Instructions

The Eyes
- 1
  
  Gloves will keep the oils from your fingers from transferring to the doll.
  
  Lay the doll on its back and drop a tiny drop of sewing machine oil into each eye if they eyes are foggy or crystallized. (Wear disposable gloves during this process.)
- 2
  Rub the sewing machine oil into the eyes in a gentle, circular motion with your fingertip. Be careful not to get any of the oil around the eyes on the compo, as it could absorb into it and cause it to break down the material.
- 3
  Lay the doll on its stomach and let it rest for an hour. This should take care of the fogginess within the eye. This may need to be repeated every six months.
The Body
- 4
  
  Use a white handkerchief or a cutting from a white t-shirt.
  
  Brush the entire doll with a clean, dry, soft paintbrush. You want to remove any lint, dirt and dust. Brush carefully behind the ears and around all of the nooks and crannies on the doll until it is completely dust-free.
- 5
  Wrap the white handkerchief tightly around the tip of your finger while wearing disposable gloves.
- 6
  Apply a drop of glass wax to the handkerchief at the end of your finger.
- 7
  Buff the doll gently with your fingertip. Buff one body part at a time. When working on the face, do not rub on eyeshadow, eyebrows or lips. Stay away from those areas. Buff the main points, such as the head, torso, arms, legs, hands and feet. Stop occasionally to rearrange the handkerchief to a clean position and add another drop of glass wax and begin again in a new area on the doll. Work with patience in small circles with soft, slow movements until all of the composition parts have been cleaned.
- 8
  Apply glass wax to a cotton swab to clean around the ears, nose, mouth and eyes. Again, avoid cleaning any eyeshadow or eyebrow lines, as you could smear the paint.

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