How To Clean A Porcelain Doll

[@SnowieKitten]

hello! i'm getting into doll repair / restoration (specifically of porcelain dolls!), and i found this really interesting and helpful!

[@FirehouseEducation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lexbeltran1354]

My friends doll has plaster on the eyes, how does she safely remove the plaster?

[@rebeccaknuteson6649]

I have been reading some of these comments but thought I would ask my own question just to be certain of what to do! I have a few dolls over 20 years old. I had them since I was young and did not regularly clean them so the dust is heavy and doesn’t come up with the vacuum. What would you suggest? One doll has a velvet dress- what works well to get the dust off her? Any suggestions of how to tame hair and make it less frizzy?

[@yanetdittmeier557]

How to fix their hair?? Pls help

[@FirehouseEducation]

Hi Gaming Legacy. My first choice is always to avoid water if possible. To remove dust I would use an air compressor on a very low psi setting to remove all surface dust and particles. Be careful to put your fingers between the doll and the air hose to agitate and remove the dust/dirt without pulling off any buttons or beads as I showed you in the video.If there is still dirt visible after that you can use some baking soda to dry clean the clothes. Just sprinkle some on the stained areas and let sit for about 20 minutes and then use the air compressor to blow off the soda. If need be reapply a second time. Caution do not use this method on velvet. If the clothes are velvet you can use a dry cleaning sponge that you can pick up from Home Depot to dry clean those areas. Good luck :)

[@anbond5054]

Hi, I have an old bisque "penny" doll with what looks like mildew all over her arms and body. Is there any way to clean this?

[@stephanievelasquez3151]

Before this video I actually did everything you said never to do you’re a big help

[@beanslife1869]

Lmao

[@lloydgarmadon8065]

all me porcelain dolls have wigs that are glued

[@andreeaboloca4440]

Some of mine also do and one isboldnow..gotta see what to glue it on after I learn how to clean it properly

[@chabeyline]

Mistake : You should never flip the doll over like that, her face , lashes etc can be damage. There are a round cushion where can be used for this purpose.

[@FirehouseEducation]

+Elizabeth Moreno I have cleaned lots of these dolls and never had a problem at all doing it just like this.

[@ellapinkrose5625]

I have a couple of these dolls some are around 39 years old cause they where my moms but one of them the head under the hair and under the hat is brooken is there anything I could do about that???

[@FirehouseEducation]

I would need to see a picture of what you are talking about. IF you want to email it to me I will take a look and see if I can help: [e-mail]

[@ellapinkrose5625]

@@FirehouseEducation so i know this is late but thank you so much the email you sent me with how to fix it worked my doll now has no broken head so i wanted to thank you again

[@uchibauki2515]

I brushed my porcelain doll with dawn dish soap using toothbrush and it's so clean and wipe with paper towel!

[@darkforestzombie218]

Does that work?

[@drencarbonari5584]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE VIDEO!!!! Because I have Porcelain dolls too so thanks so much for that I’m so happy and grateful!!

[@FirehouseEducation]

Glad I could help!

[@kimberlyaguilar3020]

hi @FirehouseEducation I realize this video and chat is quite old, but I have a 100 year old porcelein doll that is quite soot damaged from our recent house fire. Her face is completely black from the soot. Would you have a recommendation to someone in the US who could clean her for me?

[@FirehouseEducation]

I would contact Jan Easter I believe she is out of Indiana just google her.

[@Rose2Tiger1216]

I have few Glass dolls old as 20 years and I don't have a air compressor. Is there any other way to clean the dolls and if its possible to wash the clothes that can come off ?? Like hand washing or in the washer for the clothing??

[@FirehouseEducation]

You can clean dust off of them with a vacuum but be very careful and vacuum between your fingers like I did on the video so you don't pull anything off the dolls. Using a dry sponge can work miracels on these dolls and you can buy one of amazon for about $8 and could use it on several dolls. Here is a link: amzn.to/2jj0ItY where you can order one if you like. And most clothes can be washed but I would do it by hand not in a washer as these are old and may be delicate.

[@Rose2Tiger1216]

FirehouseEducation Ok thank you very much. I will see how it goes.

[@tiffanyguo6237]

Quarters Dreamer q

[@kool_katha557]

Quarters Dreamer the only thing DONT PUT THE CLOTHES IN THE WASHER!!!

[@savannahhague5706]

Is there anything on cleaning stains on the dolls, such as certain smudges that soap can't clean off?

[@TheEigylyte]

hi, how to fix doll hair? i got doll she not so bad but her hair is very mesed up .

[@nicolareddish9626]

Eigile Ceplauskaite nothing you can do ;-;

[@larissaemfinger3504]

What I do if it's madded i take baby fabric softener or baby conditioner and put it in the hair and let it sit for a few minutes and gently wash with warm water then lightly blow dry it (please avoid was straight on the face or porcelain cover the face and rest of the doll with a cloth or sort of plastic)💀💀💀

[@larissaemfinger3504]

Mix the conditioner with water (baby conditioner , laundry softener or wig Conditioner you may also use wig Conditioner ) lightly spray and get a baby brush gently brush the dolls hair if it's in mats you may have to soak the dolls hair and brush it but if it's just really tangled up the spray down method is best separate strands and brush individually holding the dolls head and start brushing from the bottom with a brush commonly used on newborns hair let dry or gently blow-dry Now if it's curly and frizzy wig shampoo let set 💀💀💀

[@beanslife1869]

Same

[@lisascott8475]

Thank you for this video! How would you recommend getting soot off porcelain dolls that have jersey knit fabric glued over a porcelain head and has painted features, such as Jessie Bishop Dolls? The rest of the body is cotton/polyester blend fabric.

[@FirehouseEducation]

I would use the chem or dry sponge like I am showing in the video for best results along with hepa.

[@meredithjh33]

I have three dolls from this same maker (Linda Rick) and all their eyes have fallen out into the head (not a good look). How do I get to the inside of the head to fix the eyes?

[@FirehouseEducation]

I am not sure... may need to consult a professional doll repair person on that.

[@heartoflinnea2131]

Does anyone know where you can get stands for porcliein dolls? And maybe shoes (one of mine lost one at some point years ago)? A website would be good (I'm not american)

[@Mia-md3io]

eBay should be good for stands. Shoes in not too sure but again eBay might be an idea :)

[@FirehouseEducation]

I would def go straight to Ebay.

[@Kysmisa]

I bought my very first doll at a local thrift store where they had about 6. I chose the biggest one. i was actually looking forward to fixing the makeup on the doll and the full face. Not only the make up but i wanted to change the eye color.. So can you recommend anything for me to fix the face make up or how to change the eyes in the doll...?

[@jeanniestettler138]

How do you clean a porcelain doll hair when there's a lot of dust on them my mom gave me almost 50 porcelain doll and they're all dirty

[@FirehouseEducation]

First. I would start out very thoroughly HEPA vacuuming them all then I would use some very low pressure air to flow them off. Then do the cleaning method that I show in the video.

[@kowiespoelstra3887]

Hi, I have had my porcelain doll for nearly 20 Years( I received is when I was young). It has a ponytail on either side of her head containing a fountain of curls. Through age an having to move the hair has tangled slightly and the curls hung out. Is there a way to fix this? I don't want to use the videos where they untangle play dolls hair since I don't think it is the same material or attached in the same manor. one more thing her hair was tied with normal rubber bands (not hair bands) they keep disintegrating I have replaced them before, is this a common problem? I do hope you can help.

[@FirehouseEducation]

+Kowie Spoelstra I am sorry I do not have much experience in this regard. Try to find a collector in your area and see if they can help you.

[@Anthony-rn7re]

i'm my own porcelain dolls cleaned normally, took off her dress and washed in the washing machine nothing happened or broke hair I gently with a hair dryer cleared

[@andreeaboloca4440]

Tried the same stupid thing and the doll broke...and her dress got decorated so nahah! Don't do that!

[@kingjojocastillo9667]

Hey I have a doll similar to yours and can not find the brand of the doll. If you know the name plz tell me 😅

[@AlcinaDimitrescu-u1c]

How can I fix the porcelain dolls hair? Its damage badly.

[@darkforestzombie218]

I have bought a porcelain clown doll and he has spots and stains on his head. How do you recommend removing these?

[@PelusitaFideos]

I found two tiny dolls and they have a lot of dust since years. How I can remove it? I cleaned them a bit, but the dust is very hard to clean

[@FirehouseEducation]

Well that depends on what type of materials are involved. But I would say start with a gently vacuuming and maybe some light air to blow off anything loose. If they dust is caked on I would use a dry cleaning sponge maybe.

[@PelusitaFideos]

***** thank you! :D

[@FirehouseEducation]

PelusitaFideos You are so welcome! Good luck and let me know how it goes.

[@carolebrandt9023]

How do you clean a wax over porcelain doll?

[@ginairani22]

can i wash my porcelain doll hair? and can i repaint the makeup?

[@FirehouseEducation]

Yes you can but some types of doll hair need to be dry cleaned not wet cleaned. Here is a good article about just how to do that: www.hairfinder.com/info/cleaning-doll-hair.htm. As far as the makeup I have not had experience with that. Look up a local artist in your area for suggestions.

[@strawberrypocky4938]

My porcelain doll's hair is really messy... how can I fix/clean it? Please reply soon.

[@nisaendiarputri]

usually I just apply shampoo and conditioner to my dolls, but rub it soo carefull cause the hair could be popped off from it head. while rubbing hair with conditioner I comb her hair carefully, some hair might be fall out but it's okay. after that just rinse the hair till all clean up and dry it with towel. I'm never use hair dryer to them hope this is helpful :)

[@lovebomb200]

Can I please ask, is the doll from Ashton Drake Galleries?

[@FirehouseEducation]

+Lily Martin I am not sure. Why do you ask?

[@lovebomb200]

+FirehouseEducation I was just wondering because I have read up about Ashton Drake dolls and I have even got one myself and the stand looks very similar.

[@roniqke9814]

Lily Martin ik this comment is old but the doll’s name is denise and she’s from the leonardo collection.

[@danielyandreadelgado251]

@Lily Martin it's a unique boutique doll I have one and the shoes, and stand are the same they also have similar looks I only have the doll because my grandmothers sister went to a gymnastics competition won the doll (my doll) she then gave it to my great grandmother then my grandmother got it from my great grandmother cause she never even opened it then gave it to me long story I know but I don't think that store even exists anymore

[@andreeaboloca4440]

Mine stink so what would you suggest about that hun....I don't wanna gift them to my mom like that...I have about 10 of them,different sizes...at left if you could share what you think it is a no do regarding chemicals and type of cleaning ...or a certain product for smell or something ...

[@FirehouseEducation]

The best thing to do is use a Hydroxyl machine to deodorize them but most people don't have one. So you can use natural sunlight (which produces hydroxyl) as an alternative. Set the dolls out on the sunshine if you can and let them air out for a day or so and this should do it.

[@Aidiushka]

how to clean my porcelain dolls closes? thats my problem my dolls closes are old and dirty i dont know how to clean them. plz help

[@FirehouseEducation]

+SUPER KORNE I would hand wash them in woollite or similar gentle hand wash cleaner. Unless the clothes are velvet then you cannot get them wet as the color will bleed badly. In that case you would have to use a dry cleaning powder or a dry chemical sponge.

[@Aidiushka]

***** than you for the help. :)))

[@beckyb7872]

I use Dreft in warm water and hand wash gently. Rinse in cool water. Do not wring the water out but squeeze out excess water. Then lay out the clothes on a folded towel and let air dry.

[@savannahhague5706]

I have found a doll that I had since I was a little girl. My uncle's first wife have it to me on my birthday before my uncle divorced her. She was covered in dust and mud. I managed to get most of it off with dawn but there are still some stains and streaks that hasn't gone away. Is there anything I can do to get rid of the stains?

[@FirehouseEducation]

I know this comment was from a few months ago but thought I would answer anyway to help. I would try using a dry cleaning sponge all over her hair, clothes as well as face and hands etc : amzn.to/2Mf13cS

[@samerm8657]

Anybody got their chemicals on?

[@christiangalea1130]

I have doll how to clean my doll is on the stand

[@ryleyl8441]

Does anyone have advice for getting mold out of dolls? I bought two dolls recently, one was an easy fix but my other has mold on her and I want to get rid of it without hurting her.

[@FirehouseEducation]

You can use baby shampoo and a toothbrush to gently scrub the soap into the dolls hair and body areas. Then rinse very carefully trying not to get a lot of water on the dolls head so as not to soak it inside. then let the doll dry in the sun if possible.

[@ryleyl8441]

Thank you lots! I'll see how that works!

[@savannahhague5706]

Does baby shampoo take care of other stains besides mold?

[@stephy072770]

I have a couple and they have music boxes. They have become quite dingy and I wonder how to clean them up. One of them has clothes sewn on. Please help.anyone?

[@FirehouseEducation]

The only way to clean them and their clothes without damaging the music box would be a dry clean process. Hepa vac all over. Use a dry chem sponge:amzn.to/2sTH36M all over and maybe some dusting powder.

[@stephy072770]

ok but there dresses are awful and smelly and one of them is sewn on. Having issues with cleaning it sometimes

[@keoghfan]

how do you go about brushing their hair. I can't find a decent video or anything. my daughter owns alot and wants to take the up most care of them but can't brush their hair without worries of it falling out. but she doesn't want the tangles.

[@FirehouseEducation]

+keoghfan Here is a website that may help you: play.americangirl.com/play/doll-hair-and-care/?popup=wavyStraight

[@athensnike2015]

where can we get cases for individual dolls? go to a professional great example.

[@FirehouseEducation]

amzn.to/2mUYFKb

[@kookybear23]

Hello, my son who is 10 found a porcelain doll in someones trash and brought it to me, it still has all its parts and its face is a little dirty but the dress has many stains plus the sleeves and the bottom of the dress have these feather like things on them I cant figure out how to do this without ruining the dress, I need help and this didn't help me at all, i was trying to figure out how to remove stains from the dress of a porcelain doll, could you write me back with some ideas.

[@FirehouseEducation]

+kookybear23 Here is an article that i found that may help you with washing the clothes. I prefer to remove them if possible and have them dry-cleaned if possible or I hand wash them in woolite. I do not hand wash anything red tho it will bleed badly. Or velvet. Hope this helps. www.ebay.com/gds/CARE-AND-WASHING-OF-ANTIQUE-DOLL-CLOTHING-/10000000004391783/g.html

[@maryclay4697]

why do you have nursing scrubs on to clean a doll ?

[@FirehouseEducation]

The scrubs are our uniforms that we wear while we are cleaning on jobs. Not only are they easy to clean but they are comfortable as well :)

[@Sassy_Alaskan]

Would a “magic eraser” from Mr. Clean work?

[@FirehouseEducation]

Yes that would work just be really careful

[@metal_nerd1980]

What if your porcelain doll has bows in her hair?

[@FirehouseEducation]

+kyleigh spiker you can still clean her hair as long as you use a hepa vac and spread your fingers out into a fan shape so you don't suck the bows off her head.

[@erisicecream6088]

Thank You Because My Doll Broke

[@姫いちご未来さくら]

I don't have special tools to do that

[@katiebaker3435]

My husband recently received a box of old, porcelain dolls he gave to his grandma. They've been in his aunt's attic for years and just returned to him. A lot of them aren't in great condition. They're really dirty and some clothes are torn beyond repair. Where can I get the supplies to clean the dolls back to good health and a good place to get some new clothes?

[@Mia-md3io]

online shops should be good for clothes. but also check second hand shops :(

[@FirehouseEducation]

I would look on Ebay first. Good luck :)

[@iggy4526]

If you're good with a needle and thread you can probably make clothes for them. If you're not good with sewing I'd say check thrift stores or eBay/Amazon.

[@ton3016]

chem sponges are sold in bulk but I only need one. I'm cleaning dolls that were in a filthy farm house. Any tips or tools so I don't break the bank?

[@FirehouseEducation]

Hi Toni. Here is the least expensive I found on Amazon: amzn.to/2gGMEsI. This is def the way you want to clean these dolls as it is the best.

[@ton3016]

FirehouseEducation thank you l0ots!!

[@shannonmariaxxx5908]

what's with the gloves

[@FirehouseEducation]

The gloves protect our hands from the soot or dirt that is on the doll.

[@ghostfields]

I tried to wipe off my dolls face with pure acetone and it won't come off. I'm trying to repaint it

[@La_abbess]

ghost fields if your doll is porcelain, chances are that paint was kiln fired on. Acetone won’t remove it.

[@gachapresley3656]

How much porcelain dolls do you have, I have eleven

[@FirehouseEducation]

I actually don't own any of my own. I clean them for other people.

[@corrsage]

I just took their dresses off and put them in the washing machine 😳 also, their hats are glued to their head 😰 how can i clean them?🤤

[@FirehouseEducation]

I would first gently HEPA vacuum them or glow them off with a low pressure air compressor or you can try canned air. If it still needs cleaning you can use a dry cleaning sponge. Good luck!

[@metal_nerd1980]

I have a $8.00 porcelain doll.

[@hindalsalhy9257]

I miss my doll