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How to Makeover Dolls for Free

Doll makeovers can involve spending money for paints, hair replacement, eyelash replacements or replacement doll parts. Dolls not extensively damaged can be made over at home for free using common household items. Cleaning, removing stains, and freshening hair will makeover most dolls. Vinyl, rubber and plastic dolls are among the easiest to makeover. Composition and china dolls are more precarious to work on, but a minor makeover can be accomplished with minimal materials.

Things You'll Need

All-purpose household cleaner
Toothbrush
Water
Washcloth
Towel
Spray vinyl protector
Sink
Acne cream (with benzoyl peroxide)
Petroleum jelly
Liquid dish detergent with degreaser
Rags
Detangler spray
Shampoo
Conditioner
Denture cleaner
Vacuum cleaner
Pantyhose
Scissors
Rubber band
Super glue

Instructions

Vinyl, Rubber and Plastic Doll Make overs
- 1
  Spray all-purpose household cleaner over the doll and hair. Allow cleaner to remain on the doll for about five minutes. A Dolly's World website suggests avoiding products that contain bleach. Scrub the doll in a circular motion with a toothbrush, avoiding the facial area. Rinse with a wet washcloth. Dry with a towel. Leave hair wet.
- 2
  Spray a liquid vinyl protector on the doll and hair. Vinyl protectors can be purchased at grocery, automotive and discount stores. According to A Dolly's World, vinyl protector conditions while providing a new shine and scent. Wipe the protector into the doll with a washcloth. Rinse hair under the sink tap. Allow doll to dry.
- 3
  Apply an acne cream containing benzoyl peroxide to any stains. Place doll in direct sunlight. Leave cream on the doll for about two days, A Dolly's World says. Repeat cream application until stain diminishes. Rinse cream away with a wet washcloth.
- 4
  Apply petroleum jelly to discolored dolls. Place doll in the sunlight for about 12 hours. Bring the doll inside at night, but continue putting the doll in the sunlight and re-applying the jelly as needed until the doll lightens. Remove jelly with rags. Use a washcloth dampened with a degreasing dish detergent to wipe the residue from the doll.
- 5
  Wash doll's rooted hair with shampoo. Spray clean hair with detangler then rub conditioner into the hair. If the hair is frizzy leave the conditioner in overnight, otherwise leave it in for an hour. Rinse. Start combing hair from the bottom, working your way to the scalp to avoid pulling hair from the rooting. Allow hair to dry. Style as desired. A different method will be needed for dolls with wigs.
Composition and China Doll Makeovers
- 6
  Dampen a washcloth with water and denture cleaner. Wipe the doll's face/limbs/body with the damp cloth. Dry immediately with a towel. Composition consists of adhesive and wood pulp. It turns into a gelatin-like goo when it gets too wet. According to China Dolls Gallery website, use a toothbrush to gently clean soiled china dolls.
- 7
  Cut a foot from pantyhose. Slip the foot over a vacuum cleaner wand and secure with a rubber band. Vacuum the doll wig. The pantyhose protects the hair from being sucked into the vacuum, but removes dirt and dust.
- 8
  Repair cracked or broken limbs, fingers and toes with common super glue. Follow the packaging instructions.

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