| In this article we're going to discuss how to care for | | | | away for a long period of time, that you check it |
| your collectible doll if you have one. | | | | regularly for this problem and any other things that |
| If you're a collector of dolls then they obviously | | | | you notice. |
| mean a great deal to you. Therefore if you want to | | | | If you have one of those dolls that sleeps, meaning |
| keep them in the same shape they were in when | | | | the eyes close, clean the eyes with a mixture of |
| you first got them there are certain things that you | | | | isopropyl alcohol diluted one-half by water. Then, lay |
| can and should do in order to make sure that your | | | | the doll on its back, hold one of her eyes open and |
| collectible collection doesn't turn into dust. | | | | drop enough solution into the eye to completely |
| The first thing that you have to do when you | | | | cover it. Repeat this process with the other eye and |
| purchase your doll, whatever it may be, is keep the | | | | then open and close the eyes several times. Then |
| original packaging that it came in. This helps retain the | | | | turn the doll face down to allow the solution to drain |
| value of the doll should you decide you someday | | | | out. After doing this, stand the doll straight up and |
| want to sell it. Make sure you remove all the tape | | | | take a clean cloth and dry her eyes completely. |
| from the hair bows. The tape's glue will discolor the | | | | Never change the original clothes or hair of your doll |
| fabric. Also make sure you get rid of any metal that | | | | or make any changes to the structure whatsoever. |
| can rust. | | | | For one thing, you don't know what any changes will |
| If you're going to store your doll for a prolonged | | | | do to the structural integrity of the doll and also by |
| period of time put a layer of acid free tissue | | | | doing this you will greatly devalue the doll should you |
| between the doll and her clothing. This will help stop | | | | ever want to sell it. |
| the fabric colors from bleeding into the doll's body. If | | | | If you have a wooden doll, never wet it. Water and |
| your collectible doll has inset eyes make sure you | | | | wood is not a good combination as it will stain the |
| store the doll face down. | | | | doll. If you have to clean her just dampen a cloth and |
| If the body of your doll should ever leak sawdust, | | | | clean her with it. |
| which is actually quite common in many types of | | | | If you are purchasing a doll for the sole purpose of |
| dolls, put a few drops of glue in the hole where the | | | | selling her later then keep her in the original box |
| sawdust is coming out of. If the hole is very large | | | | unopened. This keeps the manufacturers instructions |
| cut a round patch out of kid or muslin and glue it | | | | intact and keeps dust and dirt out of the doll. This will |
| over the hole. Make sure, if you're storing your doll | | | | help get you the best possible price for the doll itself. |