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How to Care for Vintage Dolls

If you have a vintage doll collection, or are planning to start one, it is very important that you learn the proper care for vintage dolls. Even if you only have one treasured vintage doll that brings back fond childhood memories, giving that special doll the proper care will ensure that she remains in excellent condition for many more years to come.

Things You'll Need

Soft tightly woven cotton cloth
Magic cleaning eraser
Dish washing soap
Acne cream
Plastic wrap
Small soft sponge rollers or drinking straws cut to size

Instructions

- 1
  Clean your doll. Use the proper cleaning method for the type material the doll is made from, such as a hard plastic or a composition material.
- 2
  Style your vintage doll's hair by wetting it and wrapping it in small hair curlers made of foam, or use pieces of drinking straws in place of the curlers. Allow your doll's hair to dry for 24 to 48 hours before removing the curlers and then fluff using a hair pick.
- 3
  Keep vintage dolls away from heating or cooling systems that use forced air as this can cause any paint on the doll to flake. It can also cause many types of vintage dolls to dry out.
- 4
  Maintain a constant temperature and avoid exposing the doll to drastic temperature changes, as this will cause a composition doll to expand and contract; and could cause permanent damage to some vintage dolls.
- 5
  Store your vintage dolls in a room where the humidity stays between 45 and 55 percent. Buy a humidity gauge at most hardware or museum supply stores.
- 6
  Use glass doll display cases whenever possible to store your vintage dolls. If you have a large collection, consider building storage cabinets with glass doors for your expanding doll collection. You'll enjoy your dolls and protect them at the same time.

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