TCC Issue 4: Cleaning Tips and Restoration

Hi! Chiyo here!
A common problem Littlest Pet Shop collectors face is cleaning and restoring. Since LPS have been around for nearly two decades, often the secondhand pets that come in the mail are dirty. Most sellers and traders do not clean their pets before mailing. 
Maybe that's why you're here. Or perhaps you want to cleanse those beloved childhood pets. Or maybe you don't even have LPS and you just want tips on how to clean collectibles.
Whatever the reason, you've come to the right place. Here are some tips on how to clean and restore LPS.
=== 1. Baking Soda Solution ===
The foundational way to clean any action figure or collectible is by scrubbing with a baking soda solution. Pour a small mound of baking soda into a mug or little bowl. Mix in water until the solution is lumpy but NOT LIQUID. Take a toothbrush (preferably not the one you actively use... gross) and vigorously scrub the baking soda solution all over the pet. Be sure to scrub the back of the head. Although it may not look dirty... it is. Trust me. You'll see the difference. This method has turned grey LPS white again. It does not damage factory paint. It will remove all stains but pen ink.
=== 2. Do NOT use soap! ===
Soap is not effective in removing dirt and stains from LPS and makes them sticky. 
=== 3. Acetone ===
 THIS IS AN ADVANCED METHOD. ACETONE CAN EASILY DAMAGE SURFACES AND LPS.
This is ideal for neck rust and random spots that won't come off. Acetone is found in nail polish remover. I use pure acetone, but an ever so slightly less damaging type is typical nail polish remover. Using a cotton swab or Q-tip dabbed in acetone, gently rub the spots on the LPS that you want to strip or cleanse. DO NOT USE ACETONE ON ANY AREAS WITH FACTORY PAINT. It will remove rust, accidental paint or ink (not pen usually), or dirt stains that the baking soda could not clean. 
=== 4. Pen Stains: Benzoyl Peroxide ===
What happens when you cannot remove pen stains from an LPS? Well, there is the benzoyl peroxide method, but I only recommend that for serious collectors who know what they are doing. It is very difficult and either fails or damages if not performed properly. My friend and I once used this method on the blind bag collie. Pairing the benzoyl peroxide dose with miniature painting skills, we restored the figure.
=== 5. Pen Stains: Alternate Method ===
If you do not want to attempt the previous method, I suggest covering up the spots with little dots of paint. This can come across as little freckles or markings and can be quite charming. After receiving a damaged Love Bug, I tried this method, and she is adored by many of my friends. Her freckles make her unique.
I hope these tips help you in your restoration and cleaning pursuits! May you have a pristine collection as you wish!
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