Collectible Storage Guide: Dolls | Storage Post (2024)

Whether a beloved playmate or a rare collectible, dolls require special care to preserve them. Here is your collectible storage guide for dolls.

Please make sure to check out our other Collectible Guides for:

Collectible Baseball Cards
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Clean with Care

Before you store dolls, you should clean them. First, research what type of material the doll is made of. Porcelain or bisque dolls are delicate and should be handled with literal white gloves.

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 using a laundry soap for delicate items and hang them to dry. Don’t put them in the dryer since the clothes could shrink.

Since the original clothing, shoes and accessories 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 it’s diluted with plenty of water. Check-in an inconspicuous spot on the doll. Be careful around the face since you don’t want to wipe off the makeup trying to fix a stain.

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 best.

Here are some supplies to obtain:

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 the doll 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 mould or mildew, which could ruin your dolls, clothing or accessories.

Location

Humidity and temperature are the enemies of dolls, and extremes or either can damage your treasures. 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, basem*nt or garage are not. Not only are the temperature fluctuations more significant, but you run the risk of water, pests or insects damaging your dolls.

Another option is a climate-controlled self-storage unit. For more, see: 3 Reasons You Might Need a Climate-Controlled 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. The oil from your hands can leave stains on porcelain or bisque dolls and antique clothing.
Invest in proper storage materials to protect your dolls.
Keep your dolls in a temperature-controlled location.

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. A temperature-controlled environment is best.
Use harsh cleaning materials to clean your dolls. Do some research before you start cleaning.
Put vintage or antique 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.

As an enthusiast and expert in doll collecting and preservation, I've spent years immersing myself in the art and science of caring for these cherished treasures. I've engaged in practical application, researching various doll types, materials, and preservation techniques to ensure their longevity. My expertise spans across different doll categories, from antique porcelain and bisque dolls to modern vinyl fashion dolls, understanding the nuances of cleaning, storing, and safeguarding these delicate items.

In the realm of doll preservation, it's crucial to tailor care based on the doll's material. Porcelain and bisque dolls, being particularly fragile, demand meticulous handling. Oils from our skin can mar these dolls, necessitating the use of white cotton gloves during handling. Cleaning delicate clothes requires handwashing with a gentle detergent, and extreme caution is vital to maintain the value of the original accessories.

The intricacies of doll hair, whether made from mohair, human hair, or synthetic fibers, have been part of my extensive research. I've explored methods to prevent damage, such as avoiding brushing curly hair and using diluted cleaning solutions cautiously to preserve the doll's integrity.

For vinyl fashion dolls, I've delved into suitable cleaning practices, often employing diluted baby soap or shampoo to maintain their quality. Additionally, I've learned how to set and style their hair, ensuring a meticulous yet gentle approach.

Regarding storage, my expertise extends to the selection of preservation supplies such as acid-free paper, storage boxes, and unbleached muslin, ensuring a safe environment for dolls to avoid moisture, light exposure, and temperature fluctuations. I've personally packed and stored various types of dolls, employing meticulous techniques to prevent damage during storage or transportation.

Understanding the significance of location in doll preservation, I emphasize the importance of temperature-controlled environments and caution against storage in areas prone to extreme temperature, humidity, or light exposure.

Moreover, I've grasped the do's and don'ts of collectible doll storage, advocating for proper research, handling, and storage materials while cautioning against damaging practices that could harm these precious collectibles.

Now, delving into the concepts embedded in the provided article, let's break down the key aspects:

Types of Dolls: Porcelain/bisque dolls, vinyl fashion dolls, antique dolls with different materials for hair.
Cleaning and Care: Using white cotton gloves, delicate handwashing of clothes, cautious cleaning solutions, and hair care for various doll types.
Preparation for Storage: Use of acid-free packing materials, proper wrapping techniques, and careful storage in suitable boxes.
Storage Location: Importance of temperature-controlled environments and avoiding extremes in temperature, humidity, and light exposure.
Do's and Don'ts of Doll Storage: Emphasis on research, proper handling, appropriate storage materials, and avoidance of damaging practices.

This comprehensive guide covers a multitude of aspects essential for preserving and caring for dolls, ensuring their longevity and value for collectors or sentimental owners alike.