How to Take Care of Collectible Dolls - By: Ted Roberson,

Collectible dolls--they can be objects of devotion, recipients of emotions, triggers of wonderful memories, beauties to behold, and sometimes a handful of cash when they are sold. But you wouldn't want to caress a dust-laden collectible doll with tattered clothes if it looks like a bugaboo from a previous century.

You might have picked up your collectible Chinese or Japanese doll from an auction or you could have first fallen in love with Celeste, all decked up for a stroll, online. However you acquired your priced collectible dolls, once they're yours, they're yours to take care of.

To keep your collectible dolls in top condition, make sure you do the following:

* Dust them from time to time.

You can use a small anti-static brush. Make sure you shake the dust off their hair too. But don't do it to vigorously. Dust can collect in their wigs and if not attended to right away, can cause a bad hair day!

* Store them in temperature-controlled rooms

Store your collectible dolls preferably in the rooms in which you would prefer to spend most time in. Attics and basements suffer from extremes of heat and cold. These drastic changes in temperature can damage the materials from which your collectible treasures are made of.

* Store them in rooms that are not damp and prone to excessive moisture

Moisture can cause mildew and mold to thrive. Once mildew attacks your dolls, you could have a hard time getting it off.

* Restrict the number of hands that touch them

Of course, you'd like to have your children handle the dolls. But, if your collectible dolls are dressed in delicate laces and trims, they could take a beating if they get into little hands. Perhaps your children might know how to handle them with care but it may not be the case when they have their freinds over or if the pets decide that they can be their playthings.

* Use archival acid-free boxes to preserve them

Modern technology has helped in many ways and the production of acid-free storage boxes is one of them. You can use them to store paper records, important documentation, and family pictures. Why not use them to store the collectible dolls in your set that you don't want on display at the moment? You could also cycle through your collection, placing some dolls in these types of storage boxes while the rest come out of the world to admire. You might think ordinary plastic boxes would serve the purpose but they can hold the slightest amounts of water that could ruin the objects in them.

* If you have bisque dolls, make sure you lay them face down in storage.

If they're laid on their backs, their eyes being heavy can drop, breaking in the process or even ruining the bisque of the head. Remember, faceup, eyes break; prostrate, they're safe!

Prevention is better than cure. Collectible dolls are no exception!

Ted Roberson has been actively marketing on the internet sharing advice on home decor and family gift giving ideas. Visit our online store TMGallery Unique Gifts and Home Decor were you will find a full range of home decor items and garden accessories to choose from. www.tmgallery.com/

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