Definition: Green ear is a condition caused when metal earrings have corroded, and the resulting green corrosionhasbledinto the vinyl. Condition can vary from a tiny amount of green ear within the earring hole itself to a doll who may have green ear that'swrapped into the hairline and/or around into the face. Because vinyl is porous, it absorbs into the vinyl as opposed to sitting on the surface - which is what makes it a challenge to successfully treat it.Prevention: The best way to avoid green ear is to minimize the amount of humidity to which your dolls are exposed when they're wearing any metal items (earrings, necklaces, etc.). As with any metal, exposure to moisture will eventually cause corrosion. If you are a serious collector, it's best to invest in a humidifier or dehumidifier (depending upon your home conditions) in order to maintain a humidity level of approx. 40%within the area you store or display your dolls. If you have central heat and air, it's likely not necessary to do so. Controlling humidity (and heat)also helps to preserve your dolls' vinyl - preventing or minimizingdrying, splits, glued joints, etc. Vinyl dolls left in prolonged contact with vinyl case interiors can also melt together under the wrong conditions. Plastic shoes and other accessories will bleed color into vinyl dolls that are improperly stored. NEVER store your dolls in an unfinished attic, porchor basement or where they'll receive direct sunlight from a window or skylight. Treatment: If you have a vintage doll with green ear, you'll need to carefully remove the head for treatment. If it's a tiny amount just inside the earring hole itself, it's best to clean it using plain rubbing alcohol anda toothpick with a tiny bit of tissue on the end. Clean the inside and outside of the earring hole; being careful not to enlarge the hole with the toothpick. Rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water and dry completely before returning the head to the doll.If it's severe, consult the internet for Barbie restoration services. You can try to remove it yourself, but if youhave an expensive or sentimental doll that you do not want to damage, treatments for severe issues are best left to the pros. I personally do not recommend some of the oxy-type treatments as they may temporarily fix the issue, but will damage the doll for the long-term. These treatments are designed to remove color, and therefore may also fade the vinyl (over-bleaching). I have also seen tiny crystals bleed out of the vinyl after a period of years on dolls who have been treated using such methods, or the vinyl has turned yellowish or grey and becomes sticky. Professional doll restorationists can also repair faded vinyl, reroot and/or restyle hair, repaint faces and nails, and repair joint damage. However, if you have an inexpensive doll and want to give it a try, just Google 'Barbie green ear treatment' and you'll find a variety of treatments available.If it is severe, be sure to remove those earrings now- if you haven't already! Treat what's there with alcohol to minimize the spread until you can have the doll treated by a professional. I've seen lots of dolls listed where the earrings are left intact to continue to corrode and spread damage.Be advised that no metal earrings, even solid gold ones, can guarantee no green ear will occur. Even solid gold has a trace of base metals. Earrings with vinyl or nylon posts can also melt into your doll's vinyl. The good news is that you can use most any new or vintage metal or vinylearringsas long as you store your doll in the right conditions - and that the vintage earrings haven't already started to corrode. I hope you've found this helpful. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!
Orignal From: A Barbie Collectors' Guide to Green Ear
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