The Story Behind Hard Plastic Doll Disease

What is hard plastic or Pedigree doll disease? What can you do about it and can your other dolls catch it?

[@lorrainedubzak6654]

In the US this happened to some hard plastic dolls too. It’s been called hard plastic disease and, from what people have mentioned it does smell. From what I have read it’s from a chemical breakdown in the plastics. Also rubber dolls are also changing the natural skin color is changing from natural to a black color and, is breaking down as well. These dolls are cracking. What a shame that there is no way to save them. I have always wondered if the original molds are available that they can be re-made with newer materials? I am sure some people wouldn’t mind buying a new body to save that special childhood Dollie. I love watching your videos. Thanks

[@jamesfournier3458]

We at doll shows would call them Sweet & Sour Sues. Awful moldy smell. A doll friend of mine said to pack them in Kitty Litter for a while. I did that and it did diminish the smell somewhat.

[@simplyimpish1055]

Thank you for sharing this talent with us! And...you look like a beautiful doll yourself💖

[@mooncakerabbithender7203]

I remember back in the early 1990s it was in the news about these dolls crying brown tears which they actually did, and the faces were becoming so wrinkly. until it was discovered what was causing it, I kept one doll that started to disease and I kept her in a glass case away from the dolls and over the year she became so strange with brown tears and her hands had bent backward. I did not know about the company so that was interesting thank you for sharing

[@kierli816]

This is super informative and interesting, thank you for sharing!

[@adventureswithgrandmacindy3707]

I found my old 1950s small doll she has Russian clothes on that won’t come off. She has white powdery stuff all over her plastic body . I tried to wash it off , but when it dried I could still see it on her and under her clothes, she smells like throw up . Her arms and legs and head can move when you move them. Can I save her? Will she ruin other dolls ? Thank you

[@guillermoisamit7784]

Me gusta mucho tu trabajo, es increíble interesante

[@marymatko357]

I have many hard plastic dolls. I can smell the disease but can't tell from which doll. Should I just dispose of them?

[@hobartdollshospital1720]

Please don't throw them all out! You need to inspect each one carefully. Look for any marks, misshapen bits, dents or discolouration. Send me a pic of any of these things and I'll try and work out for you if it is hard plastic disease or not. The smell gets into everything so it might only be one doll. And it might not be the entire doll that is affected. Feel free to contact me here, or 0439555514 or on Facebook Kitty Kruup.