BJD care guide

Cleaning

Wipe dust off with a soft brush or microfibre cloth. Remove marks on bare resin with a melamine sponge used gently and only lightly damp. Never wipe the face-up with water or solvents, and avoid alcohol, acetone and strong cleaners on painted areas.

Yellowing and UV light

All resin slowly turns yellow over time; ultraviolet light and heat speed it up. Keep dolls out of direct sunlight, avoid displaying them under strong fluorescent light, and store them in their box or a closed cabinet when not on display. Yellowing is natural and cannot be fully reversed.

Storage

• Store the doll lying down in its box with the original foam, or in a padded bag.
• Keep it in a cool, dry place away from heaters and humidity.
• Remove eyes or wigs held with sticky putty for long storage so residue does not build up.

Stringing

Elastic loosens with age and use. If your doll cannot hold a pose, its limbs droop or the joints feel loose, it is time to restring. Use elastic of the right thickness for the size and keep the tension firm but not so tight that it stresses the resin.

Dyes and staining

Dark or freshly dyed fabrics, leather and some wig caps can permanently stain resin. Pre-wash clothes, choose light colours for skin-tight items, or put a thin layer (such as tights) between the outfit and the resin.

Handling

• Hold the doll by the torso and pelvis, never by the head or a single limb.
• Wash your hands or wear cotton gloves to avoid oils and marks.
• Do not leave a doll leaning in extreme poses for a long time, and keep it away from pets and small children.