How to Care for Your BJD Doll
BJD (Ball-Jointed Dolls) are precious collectibles, and proper care can extend their lifespan and keep them looking beautiful. Here are some key maintenance tips:


1. Routine Cleaning & Dust Prevention

  • How often to clean? The cleaning frequency for your BJD depends on how much it's exposed to dust and sunlight.

    • Light Dusting: It's a good idea to gently wipe the doll's surface weekly with a soft microfiber cloth (like a glasses cloth) or a large makeup brush to remove dust.

    • Deeper Clean: If your doll is often displayed openly or played with, aim for a more thorough cleaning every 1-3 months.

  • Dust Prevention: The best way to protect your doll is to keep it in a glass cabinet or under a dust cover. Avoid direct exposure in open spaces.

Ball-Jointed-Doll-Maintenance-How-to-Clean-and-Care-for-Your-Dolls

2. Resin Cleaning & Yellowing Prevention

  • How to clean resin crevices? Dust easily collects in the crevices of resin joints. You can use:

    • Soft-bristled brushes: A toothbrush or small paintbrush can reach into joint gaps.

    • Cotton swabs or toothpicks wrapped in cotton: Dab with a small amount of clean water or mild cleaner (like diluted dish soap) and gently wipe.

    • Erasers: For stubborn spots, a white, soft eraser might work, but be careful not to abrade the surface.

  • Preventing Yellowing: Resin yellowing is a natural aging process for BJD materials, primarily caused by UV light.

    • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Never leave your doll in direct sunlight for extended periods.

    • Stay Away from UV Lamps: Avoid exposing your doll to UV lamps.

    • Use UV Protection Spray (Optional): Some collectors periodically spray their dolls with a matte sealant that offers UV protection. However, this can change the doll's surface texture, so consider it carefully.

    • Rotate Display: If you have multiple dolls, rotate their display positions to reduce the exposure time for any single doll.

Removing BJD faceups using alcohol, acetone, and brush cleaner

3. Face-up Protection & Repainting

  • Face-up Protection: Avoid touching the doll's face-up directly with your hands, especially if you have oily skin. Wearing gloves while handling can effectively protect the face-up.

  • Stain Prevention: Dark clothing and wigs can sometimes stain resin.

    • Wear a Liner: When dressing your doll in dark clothes, always put a white or light-colored anti-stain lining or stockings underneath.

    • Wig Cap: Use a wig cap for dark wigs or wrap the doll's head in plastic wrap to prevent staining.

  • Face-up Repainting: Even with the best care, face-ups can wear down or yellow over time. If needed, you can periodically commission a professional artist to repaint it.

How do I remove this? : r/BJD

4. Wig, Eye, and Outfit Care

  • Wigs: Comb regularly to prevent tangles. Use a wig net when not in use.

  • Eyes: Periodically check for dust or looseness. Clean with a cotton swab dabbed in clean water.

  • Outfits: Wash or dry clean regularly to keep them clean. Store them without crushing or in humid conditions.

If anyone's curious about how much resin yellows… Doll is from 2005, hands  from 2017 same company, same skin tone : r/BJD

5. Storage Environment

  • Temperature & Humidity: Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity. Humid environments can encourage mold growth, while overly dry conditions might (though rarely) lead to resin cracking.

  • Separate Storage: If you won't be handling your doll for a long time, it's best to disassemble it, wrap each part in soft cloth, and store them separately in a moisture-proof box or dry container.

By taking careful measures, your BJD doll will remain beautiful for a long time, becoming a shining gem in your collection.

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