[lexiemae]

I have some dolls that have been stored somewhere damp in their previous lives.
There are tiny black dots, which I assume is mildew/mould.
The dolls have batteries as they talk and their faces move so they cannot just go in the washer.
Does anyone know if I could dab anything onto these spots that might remove the black spots. They do not look horrible but..... I KNOW those spots are there and it seems a shame not to use them.
Can't use bleach on them as the fabric bodies are printed with the makers name. Just wondered if there something else I could spot clean with and has anyone else overcome this problem.

Many thanks.

 

[kiwifrau]

I would suggest vinegar & borax.
Here's a site to check out their ideas.

http://blackmold.awardspace.com/black-mold-clothes.html

I would make a paste as you can't wash the dolls, rub it into the spots then rinse carefully. When they are dry I would then add vinegar, dab that on, don't wash it off just let it dry.

 

[knitnanny]

If you google the topic, there are several substances you can use. As you can't immerse the doll, could you use a dropper to put the solutions on the black spots? Good luck...I have tried to remove mould spots and never had much success.

 

[Jalsh]

You have to go to a good doll hospital. Yes, there is such a thing. They will make a new body. If the mold spores have stained the outside the mold is in the stuffing. They don't charge all that much. I found an old,old doll at a Goodwill store. The doll lady completely made a new body, fixed the "mama" sound thing which we didn't know was in there and replaced her hair, got her eyes to operate. It was less than $75.00.

 

[jacqui_c]

If the fabric is fragile work slowly and gently in little areas. Try to moisten, not soak, the spots and then put a small spoonful of baking soda on each spot. You should have a small mound. Leave it there for a while even overnight is ok. It should draw out the dampness and prayerfully take the spot with it. This will not hurt the dolls but I would do a test try in an inconspicuous place first. If you are uncomfortable working on them Good Luck.

 

[Luckylady7929]

My mom always used milk for mildew. She just basically soaked fabric in it maybe you could dab a little on and see what it will do. Can't hurt

 

[lexiemae]

Aaaaaw............. thank you everyone ..................
these dolls get to go to UK Domestic Violence Units or previously called UK Battered Wives............ as Men get assauletd too.
I tend to send the dolls/toys/clothes to the unit for Christmas but before that I try to sell the dressed dolls for funding of the wool etc to dress them .
Thank you... thank you........ for all the Brave souls who leave with NOTHING, sometimes in the middle of the night............how do their babies understand?? and how lucky are we. ?
God bless and keep you safe ...........always )

 

[Betsy's World]

You could try Oxyclean -

 

[fibermcgivver]

Could you try 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and dab on with a Q-tip? Also hydrogen peroxide with a Q-tip and I like the oxyclean idea too. Fighting mold and mildew is sure a tough job. I appreciate everyone's ideas!

 

[lexiemae]

Thanks for all the ideas, I don't think it will come out myself, I have washed the clothes they came in and they still have little dots of mildew on, never mind they can get a new vest each .)

 

[cainchar]

You can buy new bodies online and replace them (leaving the mechanical parts inside, but replacing the stuffing to hopefully remove the mold spores.)Have a look on ebay for reborning doll supplies. What a wonderful thing you are doing. The new bodies won't have the maker printed on the fabric- but I can't imagine that will matter to the children. You can also make new bodies with free online patterns. Good luck

 

[lexiemae]

How nice of you to say this................. I had very little when I was young................ 9 kids and my Daddy died before I was 4.........but our Mom loved us so much.......... and worked different job so I want to help these kids who have had a bad time . It is so differnet now but a Mothers love is true
Thank you )

 

[Edwardian]

And don't forget to try lemon juice - I have removed many a stain with it.

 

[vera M]

Have you tried Vanish liquid that seems to work on most things if it will fetch blood out will fetch that out
vera

 

[Mirror]

One of my friend gave me a suitcase full with dolls she had it from the store room she bought the house they all got soiled clothes , the colours are faded , few hit holes in clothes and few got marks on the body . They need a lot of care to clean them and they are few dozens . A big project . Any easy way to handle this .

 

[Mirror]

I had a full suitcase can't afford done by professionals but trying one two doll each time there bodies ok but the dresses bad ripped soiled faded . Any cheap and easy ideas some dolls hair needs care.