Does your G.I. Joe have dirty, greasy, matted hair?

Would you like to have them looking pristine again?

Whether you’ve had your figures displayed carefully in a cabinet, on a shelf or desk, or just loose in a large storage box the chances are that at some point you will need to give them a clean.

But how do you clean them without the risk of damaging them?

Follow the instructions below and you should end up with an action figure looking like new and at a fraction of the cost to have it done professionally.

Getting Rid of Surface Dust

If your action figure only has a thin layer of regular household dust the easiest way to clean it is to use the canned air that you can purchase for cleaning computers.

You could also use feather dusters, but I would recommend it as generally they are too big to use on your average figure.

A better alternative would be to use regular dusting cloths or electrostatic dusters which you can find in most household stores or in the household cleaning section of your local supermarket or Walmart.

Removing Stubborn Stains

For your more stubborn stains, dirt or grease marks soaking in warm water is the best solution. But DON'T use hot or boiling water, this will damage your figure and any sticker or decals on it will come off.

One of the best cleaning products to use with warm water is the effervescent denture tablets.

Add one or two of the effervescent tablets to the bowl or glass of warm water and when the tablets begin to bubble add your action figure. The bubbles act to “scrub” the figure clean.

When the tablets have finished bubbling remove your action figure from the water and gently wipe it dry with a soft cloth to remove any excess dirt.

But if you haven’t got any effervescent denture tablets available then normal household dish washing liquid will do. It is best to leave your action figure to soak for a few hours if using this method.

For the more difficult stains or harder to reach places on your action figure you can use a soft bristled toothbrush or cotton buds to gently 'rub' the surface of your figure to remove any remaining dust or dirt.

WARNING:

If your figure has any stickers or decals on it you will have to take great care in cleaning it or they may come off.

If soaking your figure in warm water do so only for a very short time and when drying it either air dry it or 'dab' it gently with a soft cloth.

NEVER soak a figure that has electric wiring or uses batteries in it but surface clean only.

Cleaning

Dry clean of your action figures is ideal if they have stickers, decals, electric wiring or batteries. Although some water is used it is minimal.

All you need is an empty jar or small bowl (a dessert bowl is ideal) with some warm, soapy water, a soft haired toothbrush, cotton buds and pipe cleaners and a small soft sponge.

Start by lightly, and I do mean LIGHTLY, soaking your sponge in the warm water, make sure you wring off any excess, then carefully wipe ( NOT scrub) your action figure with the sponge, being careful to avoid any areas with stickers, decals or electrical parts.

For the smaller or more difficult to reach areas use the cotton buds, they are excellent for this. The pipe cleaners are ideal for getting into more difficult or otherwise inaccessible places such as the inside of a gun barrel or tubes.

The toothbrush is good for general cleaning purposes and getting rid of the more stubborn stains but be careful not to 'scrub' your figures, make only use a soft haired brush or you risk damaging them. Use a gentle brushing movement from side to side.

If the stickers and decals need cleaning use a very slightly damp cotton bud or cloth and gently 'dab' them to remove any dust or dirt then dry them immediately afterwards.

If your figure has ink stains these can be removed by using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) carefully applied to the area BUT always make sure you rinse off the alcohol afterwards.

Using Chemicals

Be very careful when using any form of chemicals on your figures as certain plastics will melt, bubble, or blister with the use of some chemicals.

If it doubt, seek advice or just use warm soapy water. If your figure has had candle wax spilt on it this can be removed by freezing the action figure for half an hour, or by using a small amount of lighter fluid on it. But again, ensure you rinse it off afterwards.

Is Your Action Figure Well Dressed?

When was the last time you wash your figures clothes?Would you wear dirty, greasy old clothes?No, I guessed not.

So why do you leave your action figures dressed in the same old clothes for months or years on end without even as much as a dusting?

You should be washing your action figures clothes on a regular basis. Not just to keep them looking smart but to also stop the material from rotting and deteriorating.

Generally if you follow the same rules as washing "real' clothes you should be alright but the easiest and safest way is to soak them in cold water, to prevent shrinkage and running colors, with a mild detergent such as baby shampoo or even dish soap.

For particularly stubborn stains use a normal laundry pre-wash stain treatment and carefully 'rub' it onto the material with a soft headed toothbrush.

If the stain still remains then redo the above process taking care not to damage the fabric. It is best not to wring or scrub the material or you will risk damaging the cloth or material. To dry the clothes either air dry them or dab them with a dry cloth or sponge in order to soak up the excess water.

How to Wash Hair

I hope you haven't forgotten their hair, have you?

Of course you haven't ;-)

If your action figure has flocked or rooted hair, instead of molded hair, then it should be washed as regularly as their clothes. Again this will keep the hair clean, grease free and shining at all times, it will also prevent the hair from matting, knotting and rotting.

Rooted hair can be washed just the same as hair but obviously you will need to be much gentler with it.

Any ordinary baby shampoo is the best to use applied gently with either a sponge or soft headed toothbrush.

The key thing to remember is not to rub it vigorously like you would your own hair or your figure will end up as bald as I'm getting! To dry the hair squeeze, pat or press the hair or leave to air dry.

If your action figures hair has become greasy and matted use warm water and a fabric softener, this will help to get out any tangles or matting.

If this doesn't do the trick then you may need to get the hair remade or re-flocked. There are several companies on the net who offer this service and will often offer a custom designed flocking for you.