Collectible Storage Guide: Dolls

From fashion-forward Barbies to antique Victorian dolls, dolls have been a toy of choice for children and collectors alike for centuries. They're also a common item for storage. Whether you’re storing a beloved playmate or a rare collectible, it’s important you store them properly to keep them good as new. Learn tips for preparing your dolls for storage, what materials to use, what hazards to look for and more in our collectible storage guide for dolls.

Clean with Care

Before you store dolls, you should clean them thoroughly. First, research what type of material the doll is made of. For example, porcelain or bisque dolls are extremely delicate and should be handled with extra care. Oils from your bare hands can stain both the doll and the clothing, so wash your hands and then wear a pair of clean white cotton gloves.

Dust them gently with a feather duster or large soft cloth. Before you wash the clothes, check to see if they are safe to wash, and always hand wash them with a laundry soap for delicate items, then hang to dry. Avoid using a dryer since the clothes could shrink. Original clothing, shoes and accessories can add value to your doll, it’s worth the effort to care for them properly.

Many antique dolls have hair made of mohair or human hair, and they can attract pests. If your doll has curly hair, never brush it because you can pull the curl out.

Be cautious about using cleaning solutions, too, and make sure they are diluted with plenty of water. Test the cleaning materials on an inconspicuous spot on the doll. Be especially careful around the face since you don’t want to accidentally wipe off or smudge the makeup.

Vinyl fashion dolls, like Barbies, aren’t as delicate as porcelain or bisque dolls but still require caution and care. A gentle, diluted baby soap works well, and baby shampoo with a fabric softener can wash and detangle a fashion doll’s hair.

You can set the hair with pipe cleaners or bobby pins. Use the same care tricks for fashion doll clothes that you use for other vintage doll clothes, and never put the clothes in the dryer. Let them line dry, and touch them up with a cool iron if you need to.

Preparation

Porcelain and bisque dolls are susceptible to direct sunlight and even fluorescent light. Even while preparing them for storage, you should stay in dim or low light, out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can turn vinyl dolls green, so low light is the safest option.

Here are some needed supplies and packaging tips as you prepare to securely store your doll:

• Acid-free packing paper
• Acid-free storage boxes that are large enough for the doll, but not so large the doll could shift around
• White cotton gloves so you don’t get any oils from your hands on the dolls or the clothing
• Unbleached 100% cotton muslin is a safe alternative if you cannot find acid-free packing paper
  

Gently wrap each doll with acid-free paper or unbleached muslin. Wrap it securely, but leave some room for it to breathe. Pack the doll carefully in the acid-free storage box. If you are packing more than one doll, wrap each doll individually, and place a piece of unbleached muslin between the dolls.

Padding the sleeves and bodice of doll clothes with acid-free paper or unbleached muslin can minimize wrinkles. Store the clothing flat.

Label each box, and include an inventory so you can quickly locate a specific doll or accessory without having to unwrap each one.

Do not stack anything heavy on top of the boxes holding the dolls. Place them in a location where they are less likely to topple, or have something topple onto them. Dresser drawers, an old trunk or elevated wire shelves are good options.

Some specialty shipping companies have expertise in packing collectibles. While it could be expensive, sometimes special expertise is best. Porcelain and bisque dolls also need time to acclimatize before you unpack them for display. It can take a couple of days to allow the doll to adjust to the new location.

Important: Never use plastic boxes, bags or bins to store vintage dolls or clothing. They can trap moisture and encourage mold or mildew, which will ruin your items.

Location

Humidity and temperature are damaging to dolls. A temperature-controlled location in your home, such as a closet, a trunk or a dresser in a room in your home is ideal. The attic, basement or garage are not. Not only are temperature fluctuations more significant in these spaces, but you also run the risk of water, pests or insects damaging your dolls. Another option is a climate-controlled self-storage unit.

Do’s and Don'ts of Collectible Doll Storage

Do

• Take time to learn what material your dolls are made of. There are lots of doll museums and collectors who are happy to help, and there are many reference books available at your local library.
• Work in dim light. Direct sunlight, fluorescent light and bright light can damage your dolls.
• Protect your hands by wearing white cotton gloves.
• Invest in proper storage materials to protect your dolls.
• Keep your dolls in a temperature-controlled location, like storage.

Don’t

• Use plastic boxes, bins or bags to store dolls, accessories or clothing. The plastic can hold moisture which can lead to mildew or mold.
• Keep your dolls in a location that is prone to extreme temperature, humidity or moisture fluctuations like basements and attics.
• Use harsh cleaning materials to clean your dolls. Do some research before you start cleaning.
• Put doll clothes in the washer or dryer. The delicate fabrics could fall apart.
• Wrap your dolls in a newspaper. The acid and ink can damage your dolls or stain the clothing.
• Display your dolls in an area with bright or direct sunlight.

Dolls can be a snapshot of a time gone by, a keeper of secrets and memories or a valuable collectible. Taking time to care for them properly is an investment worth making.