If a Magikito figure lives in your home, you've already got someone to blame when a sock disappears. A little care will help your companion carry on looking mischievous from the shelf. No meals or walks required, but a bubble bath is best avoided.
This guide is for cold porcelain figures. A single piece may also include fabric, paint and small accessories. Follow any instructions supplied for your particular figure, as its different parts may need different handling and cleaning.
Handle With Care and Proper Support
Clear a space before moving the figure. Support its weight at sturdy points and use both hands when needed. Don't lift it by the hat, hair or an arm. That splendid nose isn't a carrying handle, either.
Look for loose parts before touching it. The Canadian Conservation Institute recommends checking weak points and supporting objects properly when moving them.
These are decorative figures, not toys for cuddling, chewing or throwing. Keep them out of reach of small children and pets. You can invent adventures without making the figure perform the stunts.
How Do I Clean a Magikito Figure?
Remove loose dust from sound surfaces with a clean, dry, very soft brush. A soft dry cloth may suit smooth, sturdy surfaces. Use light strokes without rubbing or catching on decorations.
Work over a clear, padded surface, away from the edge. Don't brush flaking paint or pull at threads, hair or loose pieces. If anything catches, moves or transfers colour to the cloth, stop. More scrubbing won't necessarily mean a cleaner figure.
Avoid wet wipes, alcohol, household cleaners and scouring pads. Ask for advice before tackling a stubborn mark with a product. Your brownie deserves better than being treated like the kitchen worktop.
Keep the Water in the Glass
Don't immerse the figure or put it under a tap. Keep it indoors in a dry place, away from splashes and rain. A surface that looks varnished doesn't prove that the whole figure is waterproof.
If it gets wet, gently blot surface water with something soft and absorbent. Don't rub. Let it dry at room temperature in a ventilated, stable spot. Don't speed things up with a hairdryer, oven or radiator.
A few drops won't always be harmless. If you notice colour running, softened material or a loose attachment, handle the figure as little as possible and seek advice.
A Sheltered Spot With Room to Spare
A shelf or display cabinet can work well if the figure is stable, has space around it and sits well back from the edge. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, heat sources and damp places. Think about what happens when someone opens a nearby door or pulls out a book.
The Magikitos go on woodland outings in our photographs. That doesn't mean the figures are suited to living outdoors. At home, give them a sheltered spot rather than a permanent adventure in the rain.
What Should I Do if Something Breaks?
Carefully collect the pieces and store them so they can't rub against each other. Photograph the damage before attempting anything. Repair options depend on the materials, finish and break, so we can't promise a fix without knowing what's happened.
Don't reach for a random glue or force pieces back together. The wrong adhesive can leave marks or make a later repair harder. A quick fix may create rather more faff than it saves.
You can contact us about the damage. Explain what happened and mention any products you've already applied. Depending on the problem, you may need someone experienced with that material.
Then Enjoy the Company
A stable spot, gentle cleaning when needed and no impromptu baths. Those are the essentials. Your bookshelf needn't become a laboratory.
We'll leave the stunts to the stories. If another sock vanishes tomorrow, your Magikito will still look suspiciously innocent. At least you'll find it dry and well away from the edge.
