Cleaning of porcelain dolls?
i have some soft bodied porcelain dolls that have been in a suitcase in the shed they have mold & mildew all over their soft bodies & clothes what is the best way to clean them. Their clothes come off so i can wash them separately. any help greatly appreciated
well its easy but takes time. i have been repairing dolls for many years now.
I take the heads off and they are put back on with electrical ties. Very easy
Since the bodies are molded you will have to un-stuff them take out the bags of fillers and all of the stuffing buy new stuffing wash the fabric and rinse very well, I use a special soap but you can get wool light, the faces and plastic wigs can be dipped as well. the plastic holds the curl very nicely just squeeze the hair in a towel and let drip over a table edge.
When dry restuff the doll with fresh pillow stuffing like what was in the doll. Some times I remove white and brown mold with a heat gun which melts the wax like mold. Do all of the clothes in woollight too and wash by hand and dry on doll hangers, stuff the selves with pillow stuffing so when dry it will hold its form.
The clothes can be ironed or steamed out. restuff the doll using chop sticks. Smooth the hair out and your dolls will once again be in there top glory.
Best of luck and if you have any questions please feel free to email me.
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