Figurine Care And Cleaning

Acme United Corporation - MenS Hob-Nob Poly/Cotton Blend Canvas Clute Gloves, Large, Pair

Hob-Nob Cotton Gloves for handling figurines

Figurine care and cleaning is of particular interest to most collectors due to the fact that in nearly all cases even a small collection of figurines can represent a substantial investment.

The knowledge of figurine care and cleaning is the ounce of prevention that will not only improve the resilience and visual allure of your collection, but is a must to retain and enhance its value.

When it come to care and cleaning not all figurines are

Dust Off® Disposable Compressed Gas Duster, 3 1/2 oz. Can. Sold Individually

Dust Off® Compressed Gas Duster

created equal, but no matter what kind you have, if you handle them with your bare hands the oil in your skin will harm the finish.

Remember to wear cotton gloves, preferably ones with nonslip treads.

A must in care and cleaning of figurines is to keep them out of direct sunlight. The UV rays in sunlight over time WILL fade the colors of nearly any construction of figurines.

This includes the porcelain in Precious Moments, Hummel, Goebel, Lladro, Doulton, Armani and Snowbabies to mention just a few.

Premium Ostrich Feather Duster, 20".

Whenever possible display figurines in an enclosed curio cabinet, this means less care and cleaning and it protects them from clumsy visitors, children and pets.

A dusting with a feather duster or a Swiffer duster will help to keep loose dust from accumulating,

light weight brush like an artist brush, a soft-bristled paint brush or a cosmetic brush is ideal to clean in the crevices of small figurines.

This collector has found that a can of compressed air for computers used occasionally is one of the best ways to keep dust from sticking to the intricate designs of figurines, as long as you are very careful holding each piece firmly, and clean one at a time.

Caldrea® Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth

Care and cleaning of special holiday figurines like Christmas, Santa, Snowman, Thanksgiving and Halloween also includes packing them away for safe keeping until next year.

Extensive time, effort, and engineering have gone into the packaging of each figurine, so it can be shipped and stored without getting chipped or broken. Finding a place to keep the original packaging of each of your figurines to keep them safe and retain their value is a must.

If one or more of your figurines has become dirty over time, this is where cleaning care comes into play.

Large Blue Rubber Sink Mat

First test a spot at the bottom rear to make sure it is safe to clean. If so then wipe them carefully with a damp cloth. In case this doesn’t get the dirt off completely, try the next thing.

The next thing you must do for care and cleaning figurines is very important!!

Place a rubber mat and several thick towels in the bottom of the sink. Wet and soapy porcelain can be as extremely slippery and we don’t want an accident.

If you must use water FIRST take care to cover the air hole with a water proof tape, if water gets inside a figurine it could cause structural damage.

First Aid Waterproof Tape with Dispenser, 1

Waterproof Tape with Dispenser, 1"x180", Flexible

Next hold it gently by the body, never by the head, arms or legs, cleaning with care and a mild detergent then rinse under warm running water.

When cleaning figurines, if possible always avoid submerging in water, but if it becomes absolutely necessary take care to never submerge your collectible figurine for more than a few seconds.

Towel dry, then lay the figurines on their side and let air dry on a soft towel or paper towel.

Never clean figurines with an abrasive or a cleaner containing bleach or ammonia and NEVER PUT A FIGURINE IN THE DISH WASHER!!!!

Keepsake treasures don’t come cheap.

We hope this will help you keep them beautiful year after year, and good luck with your figurine care and cleaning.