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Tips on Caring for Your Old Toys

By Barbara Crews, About.com Guide

Books and Stuffed Animals:


Remove that musty smell by putting in a plastic bag with some unscented, clay kitty litter. Leave the bag closed for at least a week and repeat with new litter if necessary.

Board Games and Boxes:

Keep away from sunlight. Do not store them in a hot attic (they'll become brittle) or in a damp basement (they might mildew).

Tape:

Never use tape on a game box or board. Adhesive will eventually discolor the board.

No Plastic:

Do not wrap your games in plastic bags or plastic sheets, they trap moisture and encourage mold growth.

Don't Stack:

If you must stack your games, keep your stacks short so the bottom game is not flattened. Insert a sheet of acid-free paper between each box.

Never store with batteries:

If the batteries in a toy have corroded, remove them and rub an emery board or 0000 steel wool on the contact points inside the toy.

Courtesy of the Kovels:

These tips on caring for your old toys were supplied by the Kovels, America's leading experts on antiques and collectibles.

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