Warping, denting, and pressure marks are heartbreaking forms of damage that are almost always preventable with proper storage. These imperfections occur when a doll’s material is subjected to prolonged, uneven pressure or excessive heat, causing it to permanently change shape. The strategy to avoid this involves careful attention to position, surface, and temperature.
The most critical factor is the doll’s position. The safest way to store a doll is by laying it flat on its back on a completely flat, supportive surface. A piece of memory foam, a thick duvet, or several folded blankets create a cradle that distributes the doll’s weight evenly, preventing any single point from bearing too much pressure. Never store your doll on a wire rack, an uneven floor, or with heavy objects placed on top of it.
Equally important is avoiding bent limbs for extended periods. Keeping an elbow or knee flexed at a 90-degree angle for months can create permanent creases in the skin. Always return the doll to a neutral, relaxed pose. Finally, control the temperature. Heat softens the doll’s material, making it far more susceptible to warping. Store your doll in a climate-controlled room, away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or radiators. Non-insulated spaces like attics and garages are poor choices due to their extreme temperature swings. By controlling these three factors, you can effectively eliminate the risk of warping.