How To Care For Your Sylvanian Family Collection

Sylvanian Families are among the most popular toys people love to collect. These little figures of adorable anthropomorphic animals have struck the hearts of many collectors. So much so that some sets, figurines, and pieces of furniture have become quite rare and valuable in the community. 

Like all collections, Sylvanian Family figurines require regular care, cleaning, and storage. If you’re new to collecting these tiny toys, this article is for you. Keep reading to learn how to maintain your Sylvanian Family figures’ condition.

1. Store Them In A Clean Environment

First and foremost, when you have a collection, you must keep them in a cool, dim, and dry place. All Sylvanian Family figurines have a flocked surface similar to suede. The material gives them a soft and fuzzy texture when seen and held. However, the downside to flocked toys is that they quickly pick up dust and grime. 

So, to protect your figurines, consider storing them in a display case. Sylvanian Family Australia collections also include furniture sets and structures, which benefit from a clear container or glass-covered shelf. They’ll stay spotless, dust-free, and untouched for longer periods while safe in the case. You can spend more time admiring your collection without worrying whether dust particles will find their way inside. 

Don’t forget to keep the rest of the surroundings clean, too. Your collection and display case are only as clean as the place it’s in. Regularly vacuum the room and ensure that excessive sunlight and moisture don’t go anywhere near your figurines. For additional protection, put a dehumidifier or a pack of silica gels by the display case to prevent mold and mildew growth.

2. Save The Boxes

Many toy and figurine collectors save the packaging for a wise reason. Boxes often contain valuable information about the product, especially toys. Some may also indicate care instructions. 

Sylvanian Family boxes have a unique code for the figurine or set inside. Noting each item’s code will help you thoroughly catalog your collection. The code also serves as a reference when you lose a piece and need to replace it. 

Boxes carry as much value as the toys they keep inside. You could take a cue from collectors who never unbox their toys and display them as is. If you plan to sell your figurines, you can earn a hefty sum with their boxes in excellent condition. The boxes also make great temporary storage for the Sylvanians when cleaning your display cases or moving the figurines elsewhere.

3. Gather Your Cleaning Materials

Even when your Sylvanian Family collection is in a safe and clean case, it’s still possible for some figurines to collect a bit of dirt. But it’s not impossible to wash them away. Like any toy, you can clean your little animal families whenever needed. The only challenge is that Sylvanian Family figurines are flocked; thus, they require extra care when washed. 

Luckily, most of the cleaning tools you need are available at home. Here’s a checklist of items for your reference:

• Magic tape, blue tack, or a lint roller
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Mild detergent
• Liquid, color-safe bleach
• Face and paper towels
• Small container
• Resealable plastic bags
• Blow dryer (optional)

No matter how dirty your critters are, avoid using strong cleaning liquids. They can cause irreversible discoloration. Homemade detergent alternatives may also work if they’re mild and non-acidic.

4. Follow This Cleaning Guide

When it’s time to clean your tiny critters, prepare your cleaning tools and follow these steps. You don’t have to worry about ruining the figurines if you’re gentle and careful.

• Remove the clothing 

Each figurine has removable clothes. So, you can take them off if the clothing or the figure itself needs thorough cleaning. The dyes from the fabric may bleed into the figurines during a wash. 

• Flick away dust and lint 

Gently brush off loose lint and dirt with the toothbrush. You may use tape, blue tack, or lint roller for stubborn dust particles. Patting a damp face towel could also do the trick. But avoid scrubbing hard. 

• Wash in lukewarm water 

Fill the container with lukewarm water and add the detergent. If your figurines emit an odor, you can add color-safe bleach to the mixture.  

Use your finger pads to soak and carefully rub the little animals with soapy water. Set them aside for 10–15 minutes. Afterward, rinse them with clean water and leave them to dry. 

Prepare a new batch of soapy water for washing clothes. You may do a spot check on a small part of the clothes before soaking them. Treat them as you would with regular laundry by separating whites from colored pieces. Then handwash, rinse, and dry them.

5. Dry Them Well

Dab each critter with paper towels to remove excess moisture before drying. Use a blow dryer on the lowest setting for faster drying, or put the figurines in front of an electric fan. Air drying also works. You may let them stand for a few days for the water to evaporate from their bodies entirely.  

If the figurines had a foul odor before washing, put them in resealable bags and store them in the freezer overnight after completely drying. You can leave them there for a week for better results. 

Hanging clothes on a clothesline is a more environmentally friendly way to dry them than tossing them in the dryer. Don’t forget to reshape them while still wet. You can dress your Sylvanians up and return them to their display cases when everything’s dried.

Care For Your Sylvanian Community Correctly

Sylvanian Family figurines are lovely collectible toys that need proper care due to their size and flocked material. A well-maintained case and careful cleaning procedures will keep them in top condition for you to admire or pass down to your kids when the time comes.