I got out my 40 to 50 year old dolls that have been packed in boxes for about 20 years. They are soft rubber and hard rubber, I think. They smell musty. We had a very humid summer last year and the year before. Is there some way to get the smell out of the dolls without ruining them? I want to sew a new set of clothes for them and let my granddaughters play with them. Thank you for any suggestions! Hugs to all.

I'm with anangel, don't let any of the chemicals touch the dolls. Let them air out a bit and then try natural products, baking soda or charcoal in a bowl, in a pasteboard box with the dolls. However I would NOT put them in heat.

2 comments

by tracypullen 29 Jan 2012

Also, with them being plastic, you could try removing the cloths and wiping them down with a weak vinegar/water solution, then rinse with clear water.

by barba 29 Jan 2012

Thank you

Please remember that the dolls and their clothing should not come in contact with any of these deodorizing substances, as the chemicals themselves can adhere resulting in damage/fading. Placing an open container of cottonballs soaked in a deodorizer within a box/etc containing the dolls for several days, without actually touching the dolls may work best. Don't want you to ruin those precious keepsakes!
Angel

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by barba 29 Jan 2012

Thank you

i would try the lemon scent clorax wipes first - see if that helps - then air dry.

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by barba 29 Jan 2012

Thank you

WELL I HAVE USED BAKING SODA TO GET RID OF ODORS, & I TO AM SOLD ON FEBREEZE! BEST OF LUCK

2 comments

by beatie58 29 Jan 2012

I'm with you baking soda is the best for getting rid of smells if a baby sick up on you that is the best thing. When my kids were babies I used to carry a container with baking soda just rub in where the baby chucked up and no smell!

by barba 29 Jan 2012

Thank you

I have no idea, hope you get some good ideas,

I was told that if you put charcoal in the bottom of a plastic bucket - life for gift wrap and them cover that with tissue paper, put what ever you need deoderized on top and then put the lid on. put in hot sunny place and let the sun do the work. I have used this method and have had success! Live Laugh Download Stitch!

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by barba 28 Jan 2012

Thank you, I have some charcoal from potting plants.

coffee grounds take out odors from some items, could be worth a try. Not too bad of a smell either!

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by barba 28 Jan 2012

I love coffee! Sounds good Thank you

sorry, let me try again.

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by barba 28 Jan 2012

Thank you for the link. I may end up trying all of these so I can save my bride doll and babies

try this.

What about immersing them in cedar chips for a week or two? This is a great natural deodorizer...I use cedar pulp in with my kitty litter..it is fantastic nad very safe for cats!

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by barba 28 Jan 2012

I have never heard of that but it sounds easy and hopeful Thank you

If you have an area where you can let them air outside without damage to them, I would give that a try. And then use one of the home sanitizers on them - Febreze comes to mind. My daughter is sold on the clorox wipes that come in the lemon scent. Good luck with the job - and loved to see them when you have them dressed.

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by barba 28 Jan 2012

Thank you for the help