Learn How to Clean American Girl Dolls While I Restore My Pleasant Company 1986 White Body Samantha

Watch me do a full restoration on my 1986 first edition Samantha American Girl doll! The only tools I needed were a magic eraser, water, and a toothbrush for her hair.
Instagram: / idreamofjonny

[@hannahthomas4421]

Beautiful girl! Your blew my mind when you brushed her bangs with the tooth brush! That’s genius!

[@idreamofjonny]

A toothbrush is a must-have! It’s so good for making hair look neat. Just don’t use a used one 😆 I usually get the Target ones that are like $1, but I kinda wanna get a cute one to use on camera. But definitely get a toothbrush for hair!

[@djg5950]

Just want to add since no one has mentioned it that cutting snags on knit will cause it to run. Maybe delayed if you don't remove them but they will run once cut. To prevent them from running you should turn them inside out and try to pull the loop (snag) to the inside of the material using a pin. Pulling it to the inside at the same hole where the snag is if possible. If that makes sense ? Also, when I snagged nylon stockings if I wanted to prevent them from running I would put a small dab of clear nail polish on the snag. That would seal the hole and prevent them from running further (seal any runs already started) and prevent the run from going any further. It just prolonged the life of the nylons and stopped the run so I got more wear out of them. If the snag was in a spot that doesn't show (the ones you cut) sealing it with nail polish will prevent it from running. It does make a hard spot where you put the nail polish so it may show if in a prominent spot. Hope this helps to prevent further damage

[@tinmanlover1994]

I use baby wipes to clean my dolls as well expcally for their face.

[@idreamofjonny]

Oh that’s a good tip too, thank you! That’s way more gentle than a magic eraser so that’s perfect for keeping her paint intact!

[@tinmanlover1994]

@@idreamofjonny thanks I've been using baby wipes for my dolls sence I got my first doll in 2003. Using baby wipes on your White body doll's is probably the best way to clean them with magic erasers.

[@dianaalmazan69]

Excellent Video! I would definitely love to see your entire collection.

[@idreamofjonny]

Thanks Diana! I’m working on a collection tour as we speak!

[@elenamarilyn]

yessss i would love to see your samantha collection and hear you talk about the different samantha’s throughout the years. Great video!

[@idreamofjonny]

Thanks Elena! I can’t wait to make that video!

[@prairierose_]

Congratulations on adding this gorgeous Samantha to your collection! Thanks for a super informative video - I always question what I’m doing when fixing up a doll and I definitely picked up some great tips here. Loving your content and looking forward to your future videos!

[@idreamofjonny]

Thank you so much, Nicole, I really appreciate that! I’m basically fixing dolls weekly. I’m gonna do a super TLC Kirsten so I can show how to fix one that’s a little more scary looking heh. Thanks for watching!!

[@firecracker3911]

Of course she is going to crush your inner demons! Lol♥️♥️

[@idreamofjonny]

At least temporarily until I find a new one to obsess over 😆

[@ariameyer3909]

Is Samantha your favorite doll, or do you have a different favorite? My favorite is Addy and Kaya! The only doll I've gotten used so far is Ivy, and I fixed her up a bit!

[@idreamofjonny]

Both Samantha and Molly are my favorite! It’s hard to pick, but if I had to, I’d probably pick Molly. I mainly collect the first 5 dolls (the ones from my childhood). Addy is one of my favorites too - she is one of my most beautiful dolls. I do wanna get Kaya someday - I love her too!

[@bluekitty3731]

You could use a snag tool (a very very small hook) to pull the snag/pull through into the inside.

[@carrieannemichelle3195]

Great video. Thank you for the tip with the hair bows. She is so beautiful.

[@idreamofjonny]

Thank you so much!

[@carrieannemichelle3195]

Your welcome.

[@manuelamedeiros8583]

Would love to see your doll room. Your set up in in back of you looks so very nice . Thx for the great video

[@idreamofjonny]

Aw, thanks Manuela! I’ve worked very hard on my display. I’m posting a collection tour soon!

[@farmgirl369]

I just got an original 1986 (tan body) Samantha at my local thrift store for $1. She has her original dress, tights and shoes. She has the lighter eyes. She needs some TLC and this is the perfect information that I am needing. I am now obsessed with American Girl dolls and starting my collection. I am on the hunt for additional pieces that go with Samantha. Thanks for showing how to care for her.

[@Inky1313Starlight]

I don't know why I never thought to use a spray bottle on the magic eraser, that's perfect! She looks lovely!

[@idreamofjonny]

It's saved me so many trips down the stairs to the sink! It actually gives it the perfect amount of moisture too. Thanks so much!

[@67luis64]

Nice video; I recently purchased a Pleasant Company Samantha as yours and your advices are useful to keep her always in good shape; now I know that this doll is a great Classic which deserves a lot of cares.

[@idreamofjonny]

Congrats on your Samantha! I'm glad my video was useful. Thanks so much!

[@ellis16]

what a cool and intentional video! :) love all the care you put into making her shine. I have no clue why youtube recommended your channel to me, but you've got a new sub! keep doing cool stuff!

[@idreamofjonny]

That's so amazing - welcome! I really appreciate the kind words, thank you. This is a new venture for me, and it's been really fun making videos and meeting new people!

[@puchilovesfashion]

Wow she is perfect !!

[@idreamofjonny]

Thank you! She is definitely one of the most special dolls I have now!

[@sheilasmith790]

Great job on that bow! I found your channel when looking for a tutorial to fix the hair on a 26. I am a long time AG lover from when I was a teacher in the early 90’s. I am now an eBay seller. I found my 26 at the Goodwill bins! Her limbs are tight and hair is full. Her torso is pretty clean. If you ever step foot in the GW bins you will be surprised at this find. She ended up costing under 2 bucks. But, I don’t know how to tackle her curls.

[@pumpkingeist]

I'm about to get a secondhand Julie doll, so this video is SUPER helpful. Thank you!

[@_ZeroQueen_]

Your videos give me confidence to try to restore a doll some day.

[@natalierosario7763]

She’s beautiful! Loved this video. Looking forward to watching more!

[@idreamofjonny]

Thanks so much Natalie!

[@BmcC102]

Yes, please do a Samantha video!!!!

[@idreamofjonny]

You got it! I'm already planning it out!

[@sammi2561]

JONNY you got a white body samantha with SAMBER EYES this is so exciting for your collection!!!!!

[@bdubsz]

I have a secondhand Felicity and Samantha doll coming, this is so helpful and easy! Thank you for posting this, I love your channel!

[@dizzymisslizzy4569]

i just got a Pleasant Company Samantha(not sure what year) and this is so helpful. shes in pretty good condition, its just her hair is messy and her limbs are loose

[@lessaclayton1355]

I love this. Very helpful. And I for one, would love to see a video describing the differences in the early dolls. Oh, and congratulations on the opening of your Online Store!

[@Snuzzled]

Magic erasers are slightly abrasive, so that's why it makes the plastic look matte after you use them. I'm honestly surprised to see them used like this. I've accidentally taken the finish off countertops when I used them on the wrong surface before I realized abrasion is the "magic".

[@idreamofjonny]

Yes, this is 100% correct. That’s why I only recommend one very soft pass over the paint if the the doll is dirty. But yes, the abrasion is what restores the matte finish!

[@ALT-vz3jn]

I always use magic erasers to clean my vintage dolls, never had an issue. You have to rub very very gently, and personally I avoid the painted areas.

[@yaboimccoy8109]

Sure it's a relatively newer doll from a different line, but I found that a clear hair elastic works perfectly to replace the disintegrated factory one that was holding the phaser on the Barbie's hand in my factory condition 30th anniversary Star Trek Barbie and Ken box set

[@Annikasagworld]

I love dolls so much

[@Okay-pv4bt]

A good thing to keep in mind magic erasers are abrasive so be gentle or you may scratch the plastic or remove some color

[@idreamofjonny]

Thanks for the reminder! They’re great for unpainted vinyl, but should only be used for a very light swipe over paint. Rubbing will take paint off. Thanks again!

[@Webkinzlover064]

So so beautiful! You are my favourite instagram account. Really enjoying your youtube now. You have a gorgeous collection

[@idreamofjonny]

Aw, that’s so kind of you to say! Thank you so much! 💚

[@buffmontana4203]

Would love to see a Samantha video. I have an older one and it would be nice to date her. She has the wig fabric showing in the back of the neck. Also I recently watched a video- Robert Tonner used these products washing a doll's hair from Dollspart Supply. Heads Up-shampoo, detangler, and styler/conditioner and he says they work great. They're made especially for dolls hair. I always thought human hair shampoo wasn't the correct shampoo to use so I used mild dish washing liquid. Made more sense to me after all the hair is plastic. What do you use? Did your Samantha doll need to be restrung? Or are the earlier dolls made with much superior string? Thanks for your video it was fun....really!

[@idreamofjonny]

I’m definitely going to do a full Samantha doll tour! I actually only use dish soap too! Only that and room temp water. I never use hair products, even ones recommended for dolls. I’ll have to do a hair tutorial too, because I have my method dialed in pretty well. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ALT-vz3jn]

I use wig shampoo and spray wig detangler for all my doll hair and wigs. I used to use dish soap and human hair conditioner, but the wig care products are made for synthetic hair and it makes a HUGE difference in the final result. The spray wig conditioner detangles, makes the hair shine and it doesn’t weigh the hair down. I bought a little travel kit of the wig care products, there’s also a finishing spray that I use to keep the bangs in place.

[@nataliesirota2611]

Thanks! Another tip for not snagging tights is to put the dress on first and tights second.

[@Kayh2020]

Love your energy!

[@dalmus314]

I have two AG dolls left to sell and was wondering how I would find out what they are worth? Would you know? TIA

[@idreamofjonny]

The best place to check as sold eBay listings actually. You can also hop in some of the Facebook groups and ask people there. There is so much knowledge in the private Facebook groups, so I would encourage you to join one of those!

[@Triggerometry2012]

Neat video, thanks!

[@daniellevachon467]

One tips when putting clothes with Velcro over tight, use a plastic bag over the tight then put on the dress. It really helps to prevent snags.

[@idreamofjonny]

This is SUCH a great tip, thank you!!

[@tinmanlover1994]

I always have mom help me with getting some of my dolls shoes back on

[@stephaniefriend9912]

Jonnie- could you do a video on how to clean dolls/clothes that have a mildew smell & yellow stains??🙏❤️‍🩹

[@tinmanlover1994]

Did the 1980s.dolls all have tissue paper in their boxes? I don't know anything about super old pleasant company dolls.

[@zachman364]

My daughter,who is 40 now, had Samantha in the 80s. She is gone now but I found the box the other day in my basement. I suppose I could sell it. I have a newer doll I found at the thrift store. Any suggestions on getting ink and marker off torso?

[@veronicastroh9984]

Have you ever had to recurl a dolls hair? If so, how would you recommend to do it? Thanks!

[@repentlessss]

I have a 1990s Samantha and I don’t know what to do with her hair it definitely still has some of it’s original curls but it isn’t up anymore. Would u wash/shampoo the hair? She is really dirty

[@pinksmog5261]

what type of elastic do you use?

[@masterspartanchief33]

Do you know any way to tell what year my Pleasant Company Molly is? I’m new to the hobby, and I’m not aware of a lot of these things yet. 😅

[@Amelia-tw5jf]

please show us your collection

[@AS-rc1jr]

🤩🤩🤩👍👍👍

[@tinmanlover1994]

When I clean my doll's I go all out put on country music and go ham

[@rg1whiteywins598]

I got a doll on eBay that had poop on the hair.🤢🤮😢🤮

[@buildplayPH]

you are sooooooooooo 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@eliacortopassi]

I have American girl doll from the 80s to put the glue wasn’t gluing anymore so the hair was literally falling out of the scalp with not that much force in the hair is ripping and half because of reasons I don’t know of, I currently have her on my shelf with new hair, but do you have any advice for me if I plan on buying another ag doll😊