TUTORIAL ON CLEANING A VERY DIRTY ANTIQUE BISQUE DOLL | DOLL SHOP VIDEO

[@isabellac270]

A product that works well on bisque and plastic / vinyl dolls is a magic eraser (though don't use it on painted parts - it can remove paint) I find that it works best to clean doll bodies. For anyone in Australia Gumption is also a great product for plastic (hard plastic and vinyl), bisque and composition (though you should always do a patch test). Another product I use when vinyl dolls become "sticky" (e.g. mod barbie heads) is goo gone, the stickiness is the plasticiser leaking from the vinyl because the compound has started to degrade (once it starts, you can't do anything to stop it). I use goo gone to remove the "stickiness" and then follow up with soap and water. Hope this information is useful to someone.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much for sharing! Great idea!

[@SilverSparkles22]

Who'd have thought a video of a doll being cleaned could be so relaxing and rewarding🤔☺ Very informative thank you🤗

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

We’re so happy you enjoyed this! Thanks for tuning in!

[@JonnyWillmott]

I love this it is really helpful and it worked for me so thanks

[@marybarratt2649]

A very useful video. Thank you for the help you have given on this subject. Good to share .. as you mentioned. Some people are so close with their knowledge and information. We should be passing on our skills, not hiding them. Will be checking out your back videos now that I’ve found you.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

We're so happy to hear that you found the video useful! Sharing knowledge is truly a gift, and we believe in creating a VDC community where everyone feels empowered to learn and grow. Dive into our past videos and enjoy the journey! 🌟 Your support and eagerness to learn warms our hearts. Let's keep the spirit of sharing and doll magic alive! 💖✨😊

[@anthonymahaffey2358]

İ like seeing the cleaning. İt's so calming to watch. To be able to handle so many dolls with many value.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

It really is! Thanks for watching!

[@valt8744]

I love that you are so willing to share. That's part of what makes a BB isn't it? Now when I saw how dirty that beautiful doll was, I thought of how it must have been loved and played with, to make it so dirty. And now you are going to give it a new life.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

That’s right! Thank you for your kind words and for always tuning in!

[@aranaemantsal8109]

Thank you Linda and Rachel! Sharing information like this is one of the ways you are making antique doll collecting more accessible to people like me with a limited budget. With your guidance on cleaning, I've transformed neglected and heavily played-with dolls I bought for cheap. I'm excited to hear that I'll get to learn more about wigs! I need that information.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you for your kind words, comments like this help us keep going!

[@annabanana2418]

@@RachelHoffmanDolls just watch out with goo gone, it absolutely reeks! 😂 it’s definitely a cleaner. That scent will stick. No one had told me, and my family hurried to open all of the windows because of fumes. I actually wore a filtration mask to handle the scent. I’d also pour it, never spray.

[@lilymcghee8363]

Thank you. You are so kind and Linda is such a sweetie pie. When I first watched this video about a week ago I had no dolls. Now I have 2 antique and 1 vintage doll and all in a sorry state. I’m a bit apprehensive but also extremely excited about this adventure. I wouldn’t even have contemplated this hobby if I hadn’t found you on KZbin. Please keep doing doll stuff. Thanks 😊

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Oh my gosh I love this! This makes our day. So happy that you’re diving right in. Don’t be afraid of it, you can do it. Doll collecting can be so much fun! Welcome!

[@brigittabastek2896]

I just love watching you ladies - so much fun! You both are naturals and your content is always informative.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@mswackywhit]

When you touched on sharing the skill secrets .... it takes a special talent to get into doll making ... so power to sharing secrets alot of collectable dolls would be gone if it wasnt for the time taken to restore

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

I agree! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@janmcdonald4125]

Many thanks for the doll cleaning information…….I appreciate all the advice and the techniques you and Linda shared. To know the correct products to use on our dolls is so important. Thank you Rachel , your videos and commentary add so much to my overall “doll knowledge “.🧚🏻‍♀️

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Glad it was helpful! We appreciate it!

[@chrisb3116]

Linda, can I suggest an easier cleaning tip? Rather than the mess of Soft Scrub, try Windex glass cleaner and a piece of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Spray the glass cleaner into the eraser, squeeze out the excess and rub the porcelain. It should take off the same amount of dirt with less mess. Just wipe dry.

[@mostefanowicz4228]

Your videos are a real gift for me. So much knowledge is hard to find. Seeing it done helps so much.Thank you.

[@mweinrott]

A wonderful tutorial!! Thanks ❤

[@merakiAnart]

You are so clear and so helpful! Thank you. I have ventured to buy a leather body bisque head + shoulders doll which needs just this sort of repairs. All yor hints and experience tips are so great! yes, do a wig repair story!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

You're very welcome! I'm thrilled to hear that you found my hints and tips helpful for repairing your bisque doll. It's wonderful that you're venturing into restoring dolls yourself. I'll definitely keep your suggestion in mind for a wig repair story; it sounds like a valuable topic to cover. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy doll restoring! 🪆🌟

[@raychelcaliber4941]

What a lovely guest, thank you so much Linda! Rachel you're my new favorite KZbinr!!!! I appreciate the knowledge

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

That’s so kind, thank you so much!

[@eshbena]

I worked briefly in a doll restoration shop, back in the 80's. It's interesting to see how much has stayed the same and what details have changed. :)

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Very cool!

[@delorisvannoy3209]

Linda is awesome! I've wanted to learn how to fix antique dolls for 50 years. Thanks to your amazing channel I'm now learning. Thank you so much!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

You’re so welcome. We love to share!

[@elizabethrennick9407]

Congratulations

[@shikadang]

What a cute doll! Thank you for sharing these cleaning and repair instructions, I have an antique doll that needs cleaning.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mariposapapillon9261]

Such a relaxing and informative video--I'd fall into a wonderful, functional trance. while cleaning a dirty antique doll. They're dirty but beautiful.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@it8ntme823]

Linda sounds just like my Appalachian grandmother who I haven’t heard in years…really brings me back because she also loved cleaning and collecting dolls. I should call her up and see how she’s doing :)

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

If you have a grandmother who is nice to you and still alive, definitely call her.

[@raggedyann4372]

Beautiful Doll, Beautiful Linda and Rachel❤️🥰 Eric is OK too😉

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Agreed on all! Thank you so much for watching!

[@imaginedolls]

What a nice, relaxing video to have in the background while was cleaning my "new" Roddy walker doll. She seems to be hard plastic, but now I know more about cleaning bisque dolls. I will use that info later. Thanks!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

So glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for tuning in!

[@jennil7797]

Oh but he's lovely, dirty or not! Anyway, all little boys like to get dirty from time to time 😁. I wish he could move here, boys are my favourites. You have to hide the torso? Do people find them objectionable? Riduculous how easily people feel delicate about formed composition😆🤣!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Sometimes it gets confused with a real nude human body, we have even had videos removed on accident because of this, it is an automation. So, we have to be careful. Thanks for watching!

[@priscillastannells6740]

Thank you for showing us how to clean the dolls

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

My pleasure 😊

[@stelladollies]

Thank you so much for sharing! Smiles, Stella

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

You are so welcome!

[@joeplana7450]

I love these videos! So interesting.. Thanks for sharing.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

You’re so welcome!

[@sparkleprizm199]

I have no idea why, but I’m a huge fan of dolls. 😊

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

So are we!!

[@matteomarrucci9052]

Thank you so much for sharing your informations and your experiences! That's wonderful.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Glad it was helpful!

[@neurodivergejyn4140]

I cannot seem to find boost for the life of me! I found the active ingredients and bought those on Amazon but I just need to get the washing soda now. BTW- any peroxide cleaner like oxyclean works so well on those whites! Especially with dawn which is a great degreaser. I have 9 kids and a farm and most my linens are white because I can bleach them!

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

It’s on the Dolls Part Website: dollspart.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=212

[@lindanorris2455]

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE THESE VIDEOS!

[@eljay7189]

What do you do with a doll that has smoke odour can you get the smell out? Thank you so much for your tutorials they're fantastic

[@thomasplouffe1363]

I take the eyes out completely to clean them, especially the ones in vinyl toys that have that white gunk all over them, quick tip after cleaning sleep eyes that have the white gunk, if you notice the eyes are green those are actually supposed to be blue, so I just mix up some blue paint and paint them inside, first paint the black pupil then the blue inside, then a layer of sealer on both

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Why are they supposed to be blue?

[@thomasplouffe1363]

99% of the time they are supposed to be blue

[@thomasplouffe1363]

@@RachelHoffmanDolls the paint runs or goes' bad, i often look at the original advertisement

[@carmencolon3520]

Will be nice to learn how to fix mechanical eyes on vintage vinyl dolls. Ideal Saucy Walker. I think I am over my head on this one but I am messing around until I can get good results 😅.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Great idea!

[@thomasplouffe1363]

Boil hot water and fill the head and wait for 3 minutes for the vinyl to get soft, depending on the condition of the eyes use a wooden spoon to push the balls of plastic that holds the eyes in and it will pop them out, if the eyes are completely ruined and gone you can use pliers and rip and tear the pieces out, order new eyes and use hot water to pop the new eyes back in

[@carmencolon3520]

@@thomasplouffe1363 She is hard plastic so hot water method will not work. The eyes came out by pushing out on the nose metal.

[@carmencolon3520]

@@RachelHoffmanDolls Missing you all. Blessings for everyone 🙏.

[@lilymcghee8363]

@@thomasplouffe1363 You sound extremely knowledgable. Do you have any tips for repairing a hard plastic 1950s doll that has cracked open a little on the shoulder join seam. I dropped her 😢

[@pheart2381]

I just bought an 1894 Armand Marseille head off ebay for £20,with a crack on one side. I'm going to make her a body,and clothes. She deserves some tlc at her age!!

[@loganran4074]

Help! I decided to fix up a doll I've had for years. She was made in 1968 and is donned in a cream dress that has a sheer outer layer and a slip underneath. I put it in some water with Zum clothing soap and noticed the water looked blue, like I had added fabric softener. When I lifted the dress, it was a strange, light green. I have no idea how this could have happened and I don't know if there is anything I can do to fix it. Do you have any idea what to do? I'm afraid to try anything for fear it will get worse. Thank you.

[@joycemallory7316]

Have you tried to rinse the dress several times in white vinegar, it maybe the soap. If it does not come out you could try a ritz fabric color remover. Good luck!

[@loganran4074]

@@joycemallory7316 thank yo, Joyce. I will try these in their respective order.

[@rosemarielamothe2733]

Great video. Thanks. I have a french doll from tbe 50's. It's in very good condition except for a green blue shadow around her eyes. The head is made of a very soft and fine rubber. I've cleaned the eyes with alcohol and it has come out, but not completely. ¿ Any suggestion? Thanks a lot. Regards from Chile.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Hi! A doll repair group on Facebook where you can post photos is the best bet. It’s so hard to say without photos and this isn’t really our wheelhouse but there’s many out there willing to help. Thanks for watching!

[@carmencolon3520]

Gojo can be find in auto repair stores ,even Piggy Wiggly groceries stores.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Great to know, Carmen!

[@serenabennett3622]

And Home Depot

[@carmencolon3520]

I use Gojo even on my vinyl dolls. Only I have used soap and water on any vinyl that feels sticky. Should I always used soap and water on vinyl? Why? Thanks.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you for sharing!

[@thomasplouffe1363]

I work mostly with plastic dolls, talk boxes are my specialty

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@JennellPunsAndGames]

I have a 1990 TYCO Magic Bottle Baby Doll that I got on my 2nd Birthday. I’ve had her for 25 years and her skin had turned from tan to dark tan/blackish on her whole head and on most of her hands; not around her eyes though. My question is, how do I clean it? I’ve tried soap and hot water throughout the years and that hasn’t worked. 😢

[@thomasplouffe326]

I remember my great grandmother had a doll that looked like that, I was really little at the time maybe 2-4 years old, she got extremely angry at me because I took it off the shelf and put it in my sisters stroller and took it to the park, she thought I had one of my toys and well, let’s just say old dolls like that don’t really like slides and sand, it wasn’t until I half burried the doll in the sand that she noticed and lost her mind at me, the limbs got completely filled with sand and the eyes were stuck half shut, I didn’t know it was breakable at the time, she got it fixed tho

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Sounds like a kiddo! So glad she got it fixed and that you had fun!

[@hillmadaris]

Rachel. I have two Betsy McCalls and an Effanbee Candy Kid whose heads and limbs have literally fallen off while they were standing in a doll case. All 3 are from Tonner. One is even signed from when Robert visited The Doll Market in Greensboro, NC twenty-three years ago. Please tell me where I can send them for repair.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

HI! I do not know of a specific place to send them to for repair. The Doll Doctor's Association has a hospital locator function on their website, perhaps there is a doll hospital in your ares, and most hospitals work off of mail order. Good luck with your repair!

[@theolddollroom]

I'm sorry if this question has been asked already. I just received a 17 inch doll, strung together similar to the boy in this video. She is hard plastic and the inside of her (I apologize for not having a nicer description) like vomit. I thought it was just the dress, but it's coming from inside. Am I able to give her a bath in the sink? How does one get rid of this foul smell? I love her already, but I am very sensitive to smells.

[@debbieh5460]

Can you use on Barbie’s vinyl dolls?

[@crystallynndavisart8309]

Would love a wig cleaning tutorial!!!

[@carmencolon3520]

He is cute even dirty.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

He sure is!

[@DarlenePasternak]

Please do a session on how to clean a wax or wax-over doll.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Hi! We don’t repair/clean wax dolls so we won’t be doing a session on them anytime soon. We sell ours as is when we have had them in the past and only done light cleaning with q tips. Just wanted to let you know, good luck with your project!

[@marseillebunk2955]

I've always used Murphy's Oil Soap, the same way you're using this stuff.....I have a system with three rags. Wipe on Murphy's with one, then with damp cloth, then dry cloth. Just quick swipes on small areas at a time, avoiding any areas where compo is cracked or lifted.

[@jenniferbeasley9966]

Hello, do you guys restore antique bisque dolls for others?

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

We don’t do major restorations, such as breaks and repainting. It’s mainly cleaning of bisque dolls.

[@021423]

First, I LOVE this video! Question: My granddaughter received a doll from my mother before mommy died. My grandbaby, Skye, is 12. Mommy died in 2017. Skye takes the doll everywhere! She can't sleep without her. The doll is from a company called CITITOY, model # GS122A made in China, T 15. She's extremely dirty and the peg inside of her head is damaged which causes it to bobble. Babydumpling ( My nickname for Skye) cries because the head is so loose and she doesn't want it to fall off. I can't afford to take her to the doll hospital. Is there a way for me to clean the doll and clean her matted hair? I found the same doll on ebay, but it wouldn't be the same replacing the one mommy gave to my grandbaby. Do you have any ideas which might help me to repair her on my own? Thank you so much! Myra Kathryn

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much for sharing Skye’s story-Babydumpling clearly holds such a special place in her heart, and I can completely understand wanting to keep that connection with her mother. To help with the loose head, I am not sure - we would need to know how it was attached. For cleaning, a gentle wash with mild soap and water should help remove the dirt. For matted hair, try using a fabric softener solution. Mix a small amount of fabric softener with water, soak the hair for a bit, and then gently comb through it using a wide-tooth comb. It may take a little patience, but this method often works wonders. I hope this helps bring Babydumpling back to her best for Skye! Please let me know if you need more guidance. Sending lots of love to both of you. ❤️

[@marketplaceboutique6957]

Thank you!! 💓

[@GiniDill]

Could you dry with a hair dryer on low heat?

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Yes, you could!

[@tink4520]

What’s the best way to get nicotine smell off a vintage doll

[@misspixiemarie]

I just bought a Kestner head shoulder, with a kid body. How do I clean the leather without damaging it?

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Check our channel for cleaning leather doll bodies. We have a couple of videos!

[@misspixiemarie]

@@RachelHoffmanDolls hello!! I've been stalking your channel for a few days now... can you point me in the right direction to which episode might help? I love your channel. I bought this doll without realizing what it was. I Had never heard of kestner nor did I know anything about German dolls. (I just liked that it was kind of creepy), I tend to collect creepy dolls usually in the antique/vintage variety) and once I did some research I realized its potential and now I want to restore it.😁

[@misspixiemarie]

@@RachelHoffmanDolls I know (now) that the composition/ jointed bodies are more desirable. But this particular doll is in amazing shape. She is 17" and has no rips/repairs. She has all her fingers and no chips in the bisque. I've been obsessing for a week now maybe more. I've ordered a human hair wig, A pate, Era appropriate Antique doll shoes, dress, undergarments... I'm totally obsessed.

[@sandraburke8780]

i would be so scared to just scrub like that. i have some heads that have glue residue (a lot) and one with part of their body still glue around the shoulder plate.

[@milameinberg3159]

I live in Brazil and I would like to know the name of the produt that you clean the doll head. Thank you and Kind Regards.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

We use Softscrub. It’s a cleaning agent that is sold in the USA, you can find it on Amazon.

[@milameinberg3159]

Thank you for your attention. I love yours videos.

[@ChristineBall]

How do you string a doll that hasn’t got a hole in the head.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Hi! There’s a hook in the base of the neck usually.

[@irenehough4441]

You know how little boys are they can’t seem to stay as clean as little girls

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

That’s true! ;)

[@myotherme]

Wow great video! I just subscribed! I have posted a doll restoration video also if you would like to check them out.