Tips from the My Doll Cottage collection to help you preserve treasured memories

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Old dolls and vintage toys hold a special kind of magic — whether it’s a wax beauty from the 1800s or a beloved Strawberry Shortcake that still smells like childhood. But with age comes fragility, and if you want these treasures to last for generations, proper care is key.

At MyDoll Cottage, we’ve spent years learning the do’s and don’ts of doll preservation while cataloguing and restoring our growing collection. Today, we’re sharing what we’ve learned with you — whether you’re a seasoned collector or just rediscovered your childhood toy box.

1. Start with a Gentle Clean

Before displaying or storing any vintage doll or toy, give it a gentle clean — but read carefully!

Different materials require different care.

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For hard plastic dolls (1940s plus) or vinyl dolls (1950's plus):

• Use a soft cloth and mild soap (like baby shampoo)
• Avoid soaking or scrubbing joints
• Use a cotton bud for tricky spots like eyes and fingers
• Toothpick and a toothbrush can be used for cracks but carefully to avoid scratching

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For porcelain, bisque or composition dolls (pre-1950s):

• Do NOT use water — it can cause cracks or damage
• Dust gently with a soft paint brush or micro fibre cloth
• If there’s grime, consult a doll conservator before attempting removal

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Fabric bodies or clothes:

• Spot clean with damp cloth only
• For stains, test first on an unseen area
• Avoid machine washing vintage outfits — hand wash gently if needed and lay flat indoors on a light coloured towel to dry

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2. Store with Care

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Temperature and humidity are the biggest enemies of vintage dolls and toys.

At MyDoll Cottage, we store everything in a climate-stable space with controlled lighting and airflow. Here’s how you can do the same at home:

• Avoid attics, garages, or sheds – these places fluctuate in temperature
• Keep dolls out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and warping
• Use acid-free tissue paper or calico to wrap delicate items
• Store dolls upright when possible — lying them flat can cause flattening or     joint wear
• Use cloth (cailco) or muslin bags, not plastic, for long-term storage (plastic can trap moisture and cause mildew)

3. Handle with Clean Hands

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Always wash your hands before touching vintage dolls, especially if they have fabric or painted features. Oils from our skin can transfer to fragile materials and break them down over time.

If you’re moving dolls often (like for markets, display rotations, or photos), consider using cotton gloves — we use them regularly here in the museum.

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4. Avoid Common Mistakes

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We’ve all made them — here are the most common cleaning or display mistakes we see:

• Using alcohol wipes or harsh chemicals on vintage plastic — it can melt or discolour surfaces
• Laying dolls in plastic boxes without ventilation
• Leaving battery-operated toys with batteries inside —  remove them to prevent corrosion
• Putting dolls in sealed display cases without checking humidity — always leave a tiny gap or use silica gel packs

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5. Watch for Pests

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Yes, even dolls can get bugs! Clothes moths, silverfish, and even mice can be attracted to old fabrics, stuffing, and cardboard.

Signs to look for:

• Holes in clothing
• Paper or sawdust trails
• Dropping in storage boxes

Keep your collection in a clean, dry area and check stored items regularly.

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6. Label and Document

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Once your dolls are clean and safe, take time to document their history.

At MyDoll Cottage, we log:

• Manufacturer or brand (e.g., Pedigree, Effanbee, Mattel)
• Approximate year
• Materials (porcelain, vinyl, cloth, wax, composition)
• Description including size, shape, colour, damage, notable markings or stamps

This makes it easier for future caretakers, family members, or museum visitors to appreciate their story.

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^{Want help getting started? Check out our printable tracking sheets for home collectors— available now on our Etsy store, My Doll Cottage Museum.}

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Bonus: Displaying Your Dolls

Here’s how we safely display our dolls at My Doll Cottage:

• Use doll stands with padded arms to prevent damage
• Display away from windows or heat sources
• Rotate items if space is limited — seasonal displays help preserve delicate pieces
• Use LED lighting rather than incandescent bulbs to prevent heat damage

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You can see many of our displays on our socials and in our recent YouTube walk-through video.

Still Have Questions?

Feel free to message us or leave a comment on our Facebook or Instagram. We love hearing from other collectors and helping where we can.

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For more tips and doll-related treasures, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and keep an eye on www.mydollcottage.com.au for future blog posts.

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With love
Shyloh

Tales from the youngest daughter ofa doll collector — raised on Milo, Vegemite, and more antiques than a country op shop.

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