Protecting procelian dolls

I have a large collection that inherited from my grandmother and mother as well. The first thing you want to do is protect your CHILD from the dolls, and in turn this will help you protect the dolls as well. Porcelain is a lead bases medium that will leave traces on the hands when handling the dolls, so never let your children play with them, and always wear a pair of clean white cloth gloves when handling them. Display them in display cabinets away from any source of direct heat or UV light, as this can weaken them as well as allow lead to be leached into surrounding air and wood. A desicant packet should be kept near each doll, or a dehumidifyer installed in the display case, change the packet every 3-6months, you can find them at hobby stores.

For cleaning use an old toothbrush, this works great for getting in between fingers & toes. Cotton swabs for ears and eyes. Flat head toothpicks (slightly frayed) become like tiny brushes. A hair pick will help detangle hair. Do not use water! Jubilee Kitchen Wax (liquid not aerosol type) works well at buffing to a like new shine (does require elbow grease though) This cleans and conditions the porcelain at the same time. Work carefully around the face, using a cotton swab. Avoid facial paint. Fantastic or 409 can be used but work quickly to minimize moisture (spray it on rag not doll and wipe). Crystallized or foggy eyes can be brought back to life by putting a tiny drop of sewing machine oil on each eye then rubbing it in. Lay doll on its stomach for about an hour (check once or twice). Be very careful to use a minimal amount and make sure it does not touch the porcelain as it will tend to be absorbed and may lead to cracking around eye.

And again, ALWAYS ALWAYS wear your gloves when handling them to protect you from lead and the doll from bodie oil.