Collector With OCD Needs Advice On Cleaning Hasbro Figures

[ocdcollector]

Being a collector with OCD can be pretty tricky, but I want to give it another try and have purchased a few loose Hasbros and Retros from eBay. However, I'm feeling the urge to wash them before displaying them, so I was hoping someone had some advice. Can they be safely cleaned without ruining them? I was going to stick them in the dishwasher, but would that be too hot? Would soaking in washing up liquid and water in the sink be OK or ruin the mechanics? Would antibacterial wipes take off the paint? Any help would be really appreciated.



And yes, I know I'm being weird!

[@Chair.Shot]

Shouldn’t do anything involving water where there are joints/metal pieces. You also run the risk of stripping paint, warping, or even breaking some of the plastic (depending upon heat and duration).

If you are dead set on somehow washing them and don’t want to use a wet hand towel, I would say use a hand steamer. Follow that up by wrapping them in a towel and rotating them to get out any additional moisture. If you have a dehumidifier, keep them close to it. You can also used canned air or something similar at any time.

Another option would be to use that stuff that is like silly putty. Normally it’s supposed to clean keyboards and other surfaces with areas that are hard to access. I haven’t done it personally so I can’t say how well it works but it is worth looking into.

[ocdcollector]

Thank you, I appreciate your advice. It makes sense!

[raylancrowder]

Why don't you try wet wipes?

[walter7paisley]

Nov 8, 2022 10:51:59 GMT -5 ocdcollector said:

Being a collector with OCD can be pretty tricky, but I want to give it another try and have purchased a few loose Hasbros and Retros from eBay. However, I'm feeling the urge to wash them before displaying them, so I was hoping someone had some advice. Can they be safely cleaned without ruining them? I was going to stick them in the dishwasher, but would that be too hot? Would soaking in washing up liquid and water in the sink be OK or ruin the mechanics? Would antibacterial wipes take off the paint? Any help would be really appreciated.



And yes, I know I'm being weird!

When I buy loose off eBay I tend to just use an antibacterial wipe on them and they don't seem to have any issues.

[blitzcraigoc]

Nov 9, 2022 10:30:04 GMT -5 walter7paisley said:

Nov 8, 2022 10:51:59 GMT -5 ocdcollector said:

Being a collector with OCD can be pretty tricky, but I want to give it another try and have purchased a few loose Hasbros and Retros from eBay. However, I'm feeling the urge to wash them before displaying them, so I was hoping someone had some advice. Can they be safely cleaned without ruining them? I was going to stick them in the dishwasher, but would that be too hot? Would soaking in washing up liquid and water in the sink be OK or ruin the mechanics? Would antibacterial wipes take off the paint? Any help would be really appreciated.



And yes, I know I'm being weird!

When I buy loose off eBay I tend to just use an antibacterial wipe on them and they don't seem to have any issues.

I second the antibacterial wipe, followed up by a warm damp cloth…as others have said, don’t submerged Hasbro’s in water, too many metal and or moving parts…also, if you have scuffs and paint transfers, use a bit of white toothpaste on a q-tip, it works as a mild abrasive, it will remove the scuff and will also almost polish the area (note, only use it on the molded plastic areas, not the areas with factory paint)…I’ve heard others like to do this with a magic eraser, but I find they leave a residue behind and make the surface look cloudy…

[blitzcraigoc]

Let me clarify, I use the kitchen disinfectant wipes, sometimes antibacterial and disinfectant are used interchangeably, but what you don’t want to use is like an antibacterial wound prep wipe that is alcohol based…

[walter7paisley]

Nov 9, 2022 11:41:19 GMT -5 blitzcraigoc said:

Let me clarify, I use the kitchen disinfectant wipes, sometimes antibacterial and disinfectant are used interchangeably, but what you don’t want to use is like an antibacterial wound prep wipe that is alcohol based…

Yeah, just a standard kitchen-type antibacterial wipe. I've tried the toothpaste thing on white areas like Bulldog's white pants, it worked a little in bringing some scuffs and discoloration out.

[ocdcollector]

Thanks, guys, got the Dettol wipes out and all is good.

Next thing is to figure out the couple of MOC French Hasbros I have. I assume wiping with a wipe will destroy the cardboard, so might get a plastic case or sell them on eBay and stick to loose.

[Scott!]

Nov 10, 2022 16:24:52 GMT -5 ocdcollector said:

Thanks, guys, got the Dettol wipes out and all is good.

Next thing is to figure out the couple of MOC French Hasbros I have. I assume wiping with a wipe will destroy the cardboard, so might get a plastic case or sell them on eBay and stick to loose.

You'll make enough money to buy really nice conditioned loose ones if you sell your MOC ones, or if you can't be bothered with the hassle just open them up. At least the figures are mint straight from packaging. Would pain me to open a good conditioned MOC Hasbro, but if it's not a problem for you then why not?

[theaxehennig]

I use rubbing alcohol on a q-tip to get into the eye/mouth areas and other crevices. Then, if there are paint scuffs from other figures, I put lacquer thinner on a q tip and let it dry for a few seconds, then lightly swipe to remove the scuffs. Never put an abundance of this solution on the figure… it will eat the plastic’s finish and paint. The next step is to put hand soap and water on my hands, lather up, and wash the figure’s arms and torso, but be careful to not allow water into the joint and articulated areas. There are springs and screws inside which are most likely rusted and will run out over time and will ruin your paint. Then, lightly rinse the parts, carefully avoiding submerging the figure. Dry with a lint free cloth and let it sit for a few hours. Then, I spray with a gloss lacquer.