Many dolls that we think of as porcelain dolls are actually only partly porcelain and partly stuffed cloth or some other material. These dolls might have a porcelain head, with the lower portions of arms and hands, legs and feet also made of porcelain. Some dolls, as is the case with my Maryse Nicole doll, are completely porcelain with no other materials used in their construction. This article is about caring for the porcelain, or ceramic, parts of your dolls.

Start the cleaning process by carefully removing all the doll's clothes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, if available, for washing the clothes. For hints on cleaning doll clotheslook here.

Now on to the doll, first remove the dust. This can be easily done by using your hair dryer, preferably on cool setting, and directing the air flow toward the doll. The top layer should be gone. You can also use a soft, clean cotton cloth for this purpose.

Next, determine whether your doll is painted on all body parts, or just facial features. I have a porcelain baby doll that has facial features painted on but the rest of the porcelain parts have been left in the original white. You will also need to see if your doll has a glued on wig, or painted hair. If there is a glued on wig take great care to avoid getting any part of the wig or glue wet in the next step.

Once the dust is gone dip a clean cloth into plain water and gently touch it to the surface of the doll in an inconspicuous spot to see if any paint is damaged or removed by the water. If no harm has been done to the paint with water you may gently wipe the rest of the porcelain. For the ears, eyes and mouth you can use a cotton swab dipped in water. The idea with water is to have the cloth or cotton swab wet enough to clean, but not so wet that water will be dripping or running.

If the doll is still not completely clean, and the water has done no harm, you can try a tiny bit of mild dish washing liquid. Use circular motion while cleaning, and very light pressure. Carefully rinse away any soap residue. Make sure your doll dries completely. After the clothes are clean, redress and enjoy.

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