Kokeshi dolls are a type of wooden doll from Japan that has been around for centuries.
These beautiful dolls are often passed down from generation to generation, and many people cherish them as family heirlooms.
If you’re lucky enough to have inherited a kokeshi doll, you may be wondering how best to clean it.
Here are some tips on cleaning your vintage kokeshi doll the right way.
Table of Contents
How Do You Clean Vintage Kokeshi Dolls?
Vintage kokeshi dolls are beautiful collectibles that can be enjoyed for years to come with the proper cleaning and care.
Here are the steps you need to take to clean your vintage kokeshi dolls.
What you will need:
- Compressed in a can Or an Air Compressor
- 2x Microfiber Cloth
- A Makeup brush or kabuki brush
- Q-tips
- Water
- Dishwashing Liquid
Remove Dust
The first step is to clean your Kokeshi Doll of any dust or debris.
You’ll have to clean your dolls differently depending on how dusty they are.
Simply spray them with compressed air or wipe away the dust with the brush if they only need a little dusting.
You can dust lightly with a make-up brush and remove the dust out of places where the brush can’t reach with compressed air.
Be Careful – If you’re going to use compressed air on a Kokeshi Doll with little removable hair be cautious when using compressed air on your doll.
The accessories may fly away and become lost if you use too much power.
Wipe It Off
Wipe off your Kokeshi Doll with a microfiber cloth once the dust has been removed.
If any stubborn spots remain, a makeup brush or kabuki brush can be used to remove them.
You don’t want to damage the paint or surface of your Kokeshi Doll, so use light pressure.
Finally, use another microfiber towel to wipe away any remaining dust or debris from your doll.
Use Q-tips For Crevasse
You can come across some stains that aren’t going to be removed by dusting.
This is where the microfiber cloth comes in handy.
Cleaning the stains off your Kokeshi Doll with an ordinary cloth is not recommended because it may leave light scratch marks.
If light scratches aren’t a concern, any ordinary cloth will suffice.
Any stains that a simple wipe won’t remove can be washed away with water or dishwashing solutions. Use Q-tips to remove any stains from the hard-to-reach crevasse.
With the second piece of a microfiber towel, dry your Kokeshi Doll.
Water stains may appear if you clean with water and then let it dry naturally. It’s critical to pat dry, especially if you reside in a hard water location.
Cleaning Stains
If your Kokeshi Doll is really stained, give them a bath in lukewarm water with a little dishwashing liquid.
This could happen if you had a Kokeshi Doll that has been neglected for a long time or has been left outside in an open area.
Use cold water to avoid deforming your Kokeshi Doll.
Any product containing bleach or alcohol should be avoided since it can harm the paint.
To clean tough stains use a combination of Q-tips and a microfiber cloth. And then pat it dry.
Prevent Your Vintage Kokeshi Dolls From Getting Dirty
The best way to clean your kokeshi dolls is to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place.
Here are some tips on how to do that:
- One of the best ways to keep your vintage Kokeshi dolls looking their best is to keep them out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the wood to fade and the paint to deteriorate, so it’s best to store them in a cool, dark place.
- Dust them regularly with a soft, dry cloth. This will help to prevent dirt and grime from building upon the surface of the doll. If the dolls are displayed in a dusty or humid area, they may require more frequent dusting.
- If possible, store them in a cool, dry place. Extreme changes in temperature or humidity can damage kokeshi dolls.
- Handle them gently. Avoid dropping or bumping them, as this can damage the wood or paint. Avoid handling your kokeshi doll too much. The natural oils from your skin can damage the wood and paint over time.
- Another thing to keep in mind is that many of the older kokeshi dolls are made with natural materials like wood and cloth, so they can be affected by changes in humidity. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to occasionally mist your dolls with water to prevent them from drying out.
Conclusion
How Do You Clean Vintage Kokeshi Dolls?
The best way to clean vintage kokeshi dolls is by hand with a soft-bristled brush.
You can also use soap and water, but this may result in the doll developing bubbles or streaks on its face.
To avoid this wipe your doll down with clean water and then allow it to air dry completely.
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