Hummel figurines are timeless treasures, but they can be damaged if not cared for properly. With the right precautions, your Hummel figurines will be well protected whether on display or in storage, and you'll be able to enjoy them for many years to come. Here's how to display, store, clean, and repair your keepsake Hummel figurines:

Display

Many Hummel collectors choose to place their treasured figurines in a curio cabinet, bookcase, or similar piece of furniture with glass doors that close. While most Hummel collectors favor more traditional-looking furniture to match the traditional look of Hummel figurines, others choose modern styles to better match their home décor. Consider purchasing a custom wood display shelf designed specifically for the display of Hummel figurines. These can be purchased from most Hummel dealers.

The doors will provide added protection as well as reducing the amount of dust allowed to settle on the figures. Make sure that the display case is placed in an area of your home where it's unlikely to be bumped. If you have young children, consider placing the figurines on high shelves that the kids can't reach; Hummel figurines are too fragile to be used as toys. Avoid placing Hummels on shelves close to the ground, where it will be more difficult for people to see and enjoy them.

Give each figurine enough space; avoid letting them touch each other on the shelf, which can lead to chips if they happen to bump up against each other. This is especially true with Hummel figurines that have small or delicate features extending outwards.

Display your beautiful Hummel figurines in a safe place that is cool and dry. Avoid displaying your Hummel figurines in a windowsill or bathroom, as the changes in temperature and humidity can cause damage over time. Avoid displaying your Hummel figurine in direct sunlight, such as a windowsill. Over time, this causes the glaze to fade.

Storage

To keep your Hummel figurines in the best condition possible, you must also be aware of how to store them properly. Do not wrap them in newspaper, even though this is a popular way of protecting fragile objects. The newspaper ink will start to bleed over time, discoloring the glaze on your figurines. If you still have the box and padding that your Hummel figurine was sold in, use that to keep the figurine safe. If you don't have the box, wrap it in tissue paper or bubble wrap. If possible, store each figurine in its own box to minimize the possibility of the figurines bumping into each other, which can cause chips or cracks.

One of the most common problems afflicting Hummel figurines is crazing. These tiny cracks in the glaze look like spider webs. To prevent them, store your figures at a constant temperature and humidity levels. Moving your Hummel between humid and dry storage locations, or between locations that are hot and cold, causes expansion and contraction, which leads to crazing.

Cleaning

Even when displayed or stored in the best conditions, Hummel figurines can become dusty or dirty over time. Before cleaning, it's important to recognize that as earthenware, any area of the figurine not coated in glaze will absorb moisture. They also have an air hole, usually on the base, which allows hot air to escape as the piece is fired. The interior of the figure is not glazed, so if the figurine is placed in water, it will get inside, discoloring your treasured keepsake.

As long as you cover the air hole and are careful not to get water on unglazed surfaces, water should not hurt your Hummel. Use mild soapy water, and do not leave your figurine to soak in the water. Instead, use a soft, damp cloth to clean away any dust or dirt that has accumulated. A Q-tip swab can be used to clean hard to reach crevices. Clean the figure over a padded surface, such as a folded towel, because these figurines become quite slippery when wet. Make sure that your Hummel figurines have had adequate time to dry thoroughly before storing them away.

Sometimes, Hummel figurines will begin to get a silvery appearance over time. This oxidation is caused by the metallic oxides in the paint used on the figurines. It can be caused by storing the figuring in damp or humid conditions; in other cases, it occurs with no obvious cause. To prevent this, store the figurine in a cool, dry place. In many cases, cleaning with soap and water will restore your figure's original appearance. For severe oxidation, the piece may need to be refired professionally in a kiln.

Repair

What do you do if your Hummel figurine has become cracked, chipped, or broken? If it's a clean break, you can try to glue it back together yourself using Super Glue. However, be aware that you will probably be able to tell where the piece was broken. In addition, a home repair can cause further damage or prevent a professional from later repairing it.

If you hope to recapture the value and original appearance of the figurine, you may want to send the figurine to a professional restorer. Ceramic restoration is the fine craft of piecing such collectibles back together, leaving little or no trace of the damage. If an accident happens to your figurines despite your best precautions, these experienced repair experts can restore your pieces to their former glory.