How To Clean Sticky Rubber Toys

Tip: Baby Oil for Sticky Rubber Handles

June 14, 2018

I have scoured the internet looking for the answer to this dilemma. Most sites say use baking soda or talcum powder. I didn't think that would be good for my camera so I experimented with a sticky pen.

The unbelievable solution is baby oil! My camera has been sticky free for over a year. A very small amount will do the trick.

Question: Old Doll's Rubber Legs Are Sticky?

September 29, 2010

I have a doll from the 1950's who's rubber legs have become a little sticky. Is there a way to correct this problem?

By Tricia from Alexandria, VA

Answers

Grandma J
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October 11, 2010 0 found this helpful

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This is the break down of the rubber used in making the doll. It is not plastic, I presume, but the old fashioned rubber baby doll. You can smell the rubber and if you have a latex allergy, this should be sealed in a bag.

Scary what we got when we were little! The cleaning is not something to be done with a chemical. Try using regular baby power with corn starch in it. Rub into the doll to help absorb the stickiness.

Anonymous

November 15, 2015 0 found this helpful

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Clean the Doll with a Mild Soap and dust with body Powder

April 26, 2017 0 found this helpful

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I was told by someone at a doll hospital to use Dawn dish soap. It will get sticky again, so wash it again. Rubbing is needed.

April 13, 2018 0 found this helpful

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My Chatty Cathy's face was getting sticky so I went to the store and purchased a bottle of 91% rubbing alcohol. I applied some alcohol to a paper towel rubbed the paper towel on her face and the sticky was gone.

This is not a permanent solution. You will have to do this maybe once a year or as needed

August 14, 2018 0 found this helpful

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Vinyl dolls in the process of breaking down will leak plasticizer.. Respondents are correct.....doll is no longer a toy....treasured likely but not a toy. Clean with 911....do NOT use cornstarch as it will encourage growth of microbes and fungi. Do not store in closed cabinets with other dolls. Let the poor thing breathe and not infect other dolls. Be prepared to clean regularly. There are other reasons vintage dolls are not proper toys for children as they begin to break down and it comes down to things like lead and cadmium.

See article for reference.whywww.neha.org/.../JEH-JanFeb2015-Vintage-Toys.pdf
You do not want children who yet put their hands in their mouth or kiss their babies to be handling these treasures. Wait till they are older....Such is why vintage and antique dolls must be marketed as for adult collectors. Put them in a bonny bonnet and kiss the bonnet. lynn

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Question: Rubber on a Vintage Doll Is Breaking Down?

February 22, 2020

I have a Sun Rubber vintage doll from the 1940s/50s and the rubber is getting hard and starting to get brittle in areas such as his hands, a spot on the back of his head, and one of his arms. I have cleaned him with soft non-abrasive soap, but I was wondering if there is some sort of emollient I could use to soften the rubber. Anyone have any ideas?

Rubber on a Vintage Doll Is Breaking Down - old doll

Rubber on a Vintage Doll Is Breaking Down

Answers

Pghgirl40
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February 23, 2020 0 found this helpful

Poor dolly! These rubber babies are surprisingly fragile. Never use any kind of emmoliant or grease or Petro on them. The only thing doll experts say is dust them annually in cornstarch. Gently massage it into the doll,shake off excess .

A professional doll hospital may be able to more. Home remedies are just not useful. Sadly the rubber will continue to deteriorating. Handle it with cotton gloves, keep it in a climate controlled room, keep it out of direct light, and that will help also.

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