Cleaning a Doll – Removing Stains from Vinyl Skin, or at Least Trying My Best

What’s happened to Jessica? Somehow, The Princess’s favorite baby doll has gotten nasty black smudges all over her hands and feet. We are not sure if this is because she’s been going to school a lot with The Princess, or because she’s been riding to and from there stuffed in her backpack. In any case, I had tried washing it off with ordinary soap and water, to no avail. Then I tried using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, which pretty much erases anything…except marks on dolls apparently. So then I went to the boards for a solution, the best of which seemed to be from Real Simple Magazine. The photo on Pinterest looks like this:

I tried the all-purpose cleaner, but still, Jessica’s feet and hands were blackened with ink.

So next I tried straight hydrogen peroxide.

No change.

Nail polish remover?

Nothing.

Goo Gone?

Nope.

So then I made a paste of peroxide and baking soda.

Still nothing. And believe me when I tell you that I scrubbed those piggies until my hand hurt.

I swear, Spider Man had less trouble getting rid of that venom stuff.

So, the search continues for a way to clean poor Jessica. Please feel free to comment with some ideas. I may have found one that uses Benzoyl Peroxide, which we are trying as I write this. It has to soak for several hours. So, I’ll let you know.

Hopefully I won’t have to call out this guy…

His services look kind of pricey.