How to clean vintage tin toys without ruining them

Lithographed tin toys are fragile and easy to devalue. Gentle cleaning and leaving the mechanism alone is the best approach for most collectors.

Toys and gamesEasyUnder an hour5 steps

By the Junkie team

Stay safe

Sharp tin edges and old springs can cut. Some old toys have lead paint, so wash your hands and keep them away from small children.

Step by step

Step 1: Dust first
Brush off dust with a soft brush, getting into the joints and wheels.
Step 2: Clean the print gently
Wipe with a barely damp cloth with a tiny bit of mild soap. Test on the base first. Never soak tin toys, as water gets into seams and rusts them from inside.
Step 3: Leave rust and wear
Light rust and play wear are part of the story. Repainting or retouching a tin toy almost always lowers its value.
Step 4: Clockwork care
Wind gently and only part way. A tiny drop of light oil on the gear spindles can free a sticky mechanism. Don't force an overwound spring.
Step 5: Keep the box
An original box can double the value. Store toys and boxes away from damp and sunlight.

No one has said anything yet. Stuck on a step, or found a better way? Share it here.

Start the chat

Ask what it's made of, where it's from, or how they did it.