I find so many CPK dolls in unplayed with condition that won’t even sell for $10. I question the return on investment on dolls that were poorly stored and “moldering in the yard.” If you really want to pursue it, I’ve known people that tied them up in a pillow case and washed them on the gentle cycle in their washing machine. You then hang them on the line to dry in the fresh air. You might try it with just one first to see how it comes out. At least this way, the stuffing inside would be cleaned as well. Good luck!

We totally agree with > debdoll.
$10 each with Free Shipping will make someone happy if sold as is without attempting to clean an as is CPK.

Polymer cleaner

Polymer cleaner is only for the face. Their bodies are fabric with polyfill stuffing so you really need to wash them so that water / detergent gets all the way through the body. You can try debdoll’s method. I remember my mom doing that with my own CPKs when I was a kid — or you can just soak them in a detergent solution for a while and hang them to dry.

You just have to make sure to get as much water out as possible before hanging them up. Don’t wring them. Wrap them in a towel and swing it around.

As far as value goes I don’t think they’re worth much. Some people nostalgic for the 80’s might buy them and I know some hip crafters like to buy them to customize them but I doubt they want to pay more than $5 or so for dolls that aren’t in great condition. Once you’ve got them cleaned you might want to toss out any that are in terrible shape and the sell the rest as a lot. Or lotS if it’s really a carload— maybe apportioned by the least expensive shipping alternatives. I’d market them to the Etsy crowd, personally.

Just an idea!

Sometimes the value is in the clothing, especially the shoes. You can always donate the cleaned undressed dolls to Goodwill or someplace if they don’t sell.

Try debdolls idea. I’ve done this myself and they turn out OK. I’ve even put them in the dryer for awhile on low heat and then set them out doors to dry. If you want to try and sell them, I think there still is a group on Yahoo Groups that you might be able to get some sales from them. Clothes are always wanted. If all else fails donate them to a women’s shelter … the kids there usually have to leave without their toys and would appreciate a doll to hug and hold.

I actually sold a few at $15 after just a surface wash. Listed them as needing a bath. They all sold and I got good feedback. I remember mom washing them in a pillow case in the washer. She would braid there hair stick them in the pillow case wash in washer and hang to dry. I was always amazed they would get so clean and no tangles.Just never took the time to do it myself.

Alright guys, I have taken your collective advice and sorted my doll pile between “sellable” and “commonplace” all of the standard yellow hair blue eyes CPK dolls went into the “commonplace” pile. All of the Koosas, horses, bald or odd hair colors or styles went into the “sellable” pile. The clothes are all washed, and i am about to start washing the dolls.

As collectors, do you want your dolls dressed? or do you not care, because you will re-dress them anyway? I do not remember which clothes went with which doll, and i am not sure if i have enough clothes for everyone..but if re-dressing them will make them more appealing to the CPK market, i will do it.

Good luck with your cleaning and selling. CPK’s don’t sell for much anymore.

I’ve got 4 of the porcelain dolls tht I can’t get rid of and they cost me $125 to $175 back in the day.

Who’d of thunk they would be almost worthless now?