Caring for ponies on display:
- Ponies, playsets, accessories, and their original backcards and boxes can all be damaged severely by direct sunlight. To protect your collection from harmful UV rays that fade colors and speed up the yellowing of plastic, avoid displaying it in a room with a lot of direct sunlight. My own collection is displayed in a room whose only window faces north, not east or west, and my pony shelves are not against a wall opposite the window. Any windows around your display area should be covered in protective UV film. This film acts a lot like sunglasses; while it allows in light to illuminate a room, it blocks the UV rays that have the power to ruin your collectibles. This film can be purchased at home goods and hardware stores like Lowe's and Home Depot. If you display your collection, this is a must.
- If you live in a humid climate or store/display your ponies in a room of high humidity like a basement or attic, be sure to run a de-humidifier at all times. Moisture and heat are the perfect ingredients to spread mold and other conditions like wildfire through your collection.
- Dust will settle anywhere. While it won't ruin your collection, it's a good idea to wipe down your accessories and shelves, and give your ponies a bath every couple of months to keep them clean and shiny.
- It's important (and enjoyable!) to comb your ponies' manes and tails every once in a while to prevent frizz. I like to use a My Little Pony comb because it's just the right size for pony manes. Be sure never to use a brush because it can cause frizz. If your pony's hair is tangled and frizzy, try to only comb her hair during a bath when it is wet and full of detangling conditioner. That will prevent breakage and more frizz.
- For a detailed tutorial on how to bath your ponies, see the rest of my Pony Care Guide.
Caring for ponies in storage:
- Many pony ailments such as cancer, mold, and tail rust are caused or sped up by environmental conditions. Your collection should never be stored in ways that seal in moisture. Many collectors like to store ponies in plastic tubs and zip-lock bags, but that can do more harm than good. At least leave a little corner of the bag unzipped and place the lid over the tub but not all the way clicked and sealed. Allow for that moisture to evaporate and for fresh air to circulate through your ponies.
- If you live in an area of high humidity or store/display your ponies in a room of high humidity like a basement or attic, be sure to run a de-humidifier at all times. Moisture and heat are the perfect ingredients to spread mold and other conditions like wildfire through your collection. Yes, this was repeated because it's very serious.
- If you intend to store your ponies, make sure they have been left in fresh air to dry for a couple of days before storing them away. I can't stress this enough: moisture is your enemy!
- Cardboard attracts pests, so the best way to store ponies is in plastic tubs like the ones pictured below. You don't want more than two layers of ponies stacked, because the ones on the bottom layer will be crushed. To keep my ponies neat and protected, I purchased the tubs below. Wrap each pony individually in a strip of bubble wrap or open plastic baggie to prevent ponies from touching each other. Some ponies, particularly those with neon hair like Confetti and Trickles, have been known to bleed their colors onto their own bodies and nearby ponies. Ponies with delicate parts like Summer/Windy Wing and Flutter ponies should be wrapped generously in bubble wrap.
- Pony clothes from any generation have been reported to stain pony bodies after prolonged wear. This is something every collector should keep in mind.