Always be sure to save the doll’s original doll
box and packaging if possible. Collectible dolls lose some of their
value if they cannot be sold or traded in their original box and packaging.
Use a soft paintbrush or make-up brush to gently clean any dust or
dirt that has accumulated on your doll’s face, arms, or legs.
Clothing and hair can also be dusted in this manner. Use a cotton swab
for small crevices that need gentle cleaning.
All displayed dolls will benefit from an occasional gentle vacuuming.
Use a small vacuum made specifically for computers if you have one.
If not, use your regular vacuum and cover the hose attachment with
a piece of old pantyhose--this will minimize suction. NOTE: Test that
the suction is not too powerful before vacuuming your doll to avoid
potential damage.
Another technique for vacuuming dolls is to purchase a painter’s strainer netting and place it over the item you want to dust, and then vacuum. It works great for taking out the dust without disturbing the doll. Painter’s strainer netting can be purchased inexpensively at Lowe’s or Home Depot. (By the way, this method also works well for cleaning artificial flowers).
If possible, encase your doll upright on a stand whenever possible. Laying the doll for
extended periods of time affects the blinking ability of the eyes.
If you do need to store your doll, it is very important to store your doll with sleep eyes
on their faces. The weight used to make the eyes open and close falls back into the head when they
are flat on their backs, and pulls the eyes with it. This can cause damage to the eyes. She really
won't smother if you put her on her face.
Remember to keep your doll out of direct sunlight and away from air
vents. Pick a place where the doll will not need to be frequently moved.
The fewer disturbances, the better.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature for your doll.
Minimal handling of your doll is best for your doll. We recommend
wearing white cotton gloves to keep body oils and dirt away.
If you need to wash your doll, completely dissolve some liquid detergent
in cool water. It is important that you use only the foam to get rid
of the surface dirt on the doll. After cleaning, gently wipe the cleansed
area with a clean, soft washcloth. Then gently blow-dry your doll using
the lowest blow dryer setting. NOTE: If your doll has eyes that wink
or blink, be very careful not to get water in the eyes. Water can cause
permanent damage.
Plush Animals
When you receive your plush bear(s), give
them a good shake to get their fur back to the way it should be after
being cramped in a shipping box. If additional fur fluffing is needed,
or your plush animal is dusty, use your vacuum with care.
If you cannot plainly see the eyes of your
stuffed animal, carefully use a pair of small embroidery scissors
to trim the excess fur from around the eyes. Holding the scissors
at a 90-degree angle will give you better trimming control. NOTE:
Be very careful not to scratch your stuffed animal’s eyes!
If your plush bear becomes soiled, spot clean
with a damp washcloth.
Do NOT wash your plush in the laundry! The
washing machine is too hard on both seams and fur.
Jim Shore Figurines
To repair a break in a Jim Shore figurine, use a type of glue that has some initial viscosity in order to hold the broken pieces together while they dry. Jim Shore recommends either hot glue, airplane glue, or a two-step epoxy that is mixed together. This, of course, will depend on the size of the break.
For small breaks, a clear instant bonding glue (such as Crazy Glue) can be used. A small amount should be applied to both pieces being careful not to get any over the edges. After the two broken pieces are joined together, use a piece of painters grade tape (looks like blue masking tape) or a rubber band, and let sit for at least 24 hours.
Melting Pots
To change out a melter, either extinguish the
tea light candle or turn off your electric melting pot and allow
the melter
wax to harden. Gently tap the sides of the melting pot container and,
in most cases, the wax will pop out. If this method does not work,
place the melter holder or the entire non-electric melting pot in
your freezer
for 5 minutes. This should allow the melter to come out immediately.
NOTE: Do not place your electric melting pot in the freezer.
If your
light bulb in your electric melting pot needs replaced, use a 25 watt
bulb. This low wattage bulb melts the melter wax very slowly
to maximize fragrance time. NOTE: Do not use a bulb with a wattage
higher than 25 watts.
"Bear Dips" & "Little Dippers by Ganz" Scented Wax Figurines
To dust, use a hair dryer set on “cool” for
20–30 seconds.
If the scent needs refreshing, use a hair dryer set
on “hot” for 60 seconds approximately 10 inches from the
Little Dipper™. NOTE: Do not attempt to ignite.
Little Dippers™ are best displayed on a protective
coaster and out of direct sunlight.
