It can be discouraging to put all of the effort into your miniature dollhouse only to have it look dingy and dull a few years later. The elements can infiltrate your dollhouse and make it look faded, cracked or even dirty over time. The following elements can be harmful to the appearance of your dollhouse. The problem is that they don’t really affect the appearance until the damage has built up over a few years.
- Dust can buildup over the years and make glossy finishes appear dull and drab. If left uncleaned, dust can have a lasting effect, too. You can wipe down your dollhouse with a clean rag and vacuum out some of the dust, but this can be a pain after awhile. If you keep your miniature dollhouse in an enclosed display case, you can reduce the amount of dust that accumulates.
- Smoke, whether it comes from cigarettes, a fire, or a nearby car can leave a dull appearance on your shiny accessories. Smoke buildup can also leave your dollhouse with a foul odor and yellow stains throughout the rooms. Again, a display case can help you solve this problem easily.
- Direct sunlight can fade the bright colors in your dollhouse. If you leave your dollhouse in direct sunlight for too long, it could even crack some of the wood in the furniture. To prevent this from happening, don’t leave your dollhouse near a window that gets a great deal of sunlight. Or, if you prefer, you can cover your windows with a protective shade to reduce the amount of direct sunlight.
- Water and dampness can cause mold and mildew in your dollhouse. This can also cause a weird smell for your dollhouse. Don’t leave it in the basement or in another area of your home that is humid or damp. Over time, this can also warp the wood.
- Pets can destroy your dollhouse in several ways. They could knock it over when they are playing or they might use it as a litter box. Keep your dollhouse out of your pet’s reach and, if possible, enclosed in a display case that they cannot tip over.