After treating your Smurfs with warm, soapy water, Formula 9-1-1, Remove-Zit and/or D-stinker as appropriate, they should be cared for, stored and/or displayed as follows:

Smurfs should be kept out of unnecessary light, as UV rays can cause a yellowing of PVC, as well as fade original packaging. If lighting must be used, a UV-shielded fluorescent light is best. Direct sunlight contains the most ultraviolet rays, and should be avoided at all costs. Do not keep Smurfs on a windowsill, or your display case on a wall that is bathed in sunlight during certain parts of the day. Keep shades drawn and lights off when not viewing your collection. Nothing can reverse fading/discoloration from UV, so it is important that you take every precaution that you can.

Smurfs should be kept at a median humidity. As previously discussed, humidity over 70% will permit the growth of a host of microorganisms on Smurfs. Humidity can also aid in the formation of some stains, and increase the propensity for paint to crack and peel. An exceedingly dry environment is generally not considered beneficial for collectibles either. A humidity of 45% to 55% is comfortable for you, and ideal for your Smurfs.

Smurfs should be kept at mild temperatures. Excessive heat fosters the migration of plasticizer spreading stains and hastening blooming, causes microbial growth to skyrocket (if conditions for growth are present), causes PVC to degrade resulting in brown streaks, and can deform PVC, since it is a thermoplastic plastic. Extreme temperatures should always be avoided. Smurfs should never be stored near radiators, fireplaces, heating vents, etc. Do not store Smurfs in the garage or attic where they can experience wide swings in temperature.

Smurfs should always be stored and displayed so they are protected from contaminants such as foreign materials that may react with PVC or its components, as well as dust, smoke, cooking fumes and other air-borne contaminants and odors that can cause problems. Displaying Smurfs behind glass or acrylic, or storing them in zip-loc style bags will buffer them from temperature and humidity swings, and protect them from most contaminants. Ventilation during storage or display should be adequate to allow moisture of condensation to escape. If you expect to store Smurfs for a long time in oc style bags, you may choose to leave them open, so that any condesation forming inside the bags is able to vent.

Your Smurfs should not be handled with bare hands to avoid getting skin oils on them - wear disposable white cotton gloves. You will be surprised at how dirty the gloves get just by handling your Smurfs! When they get too dirty, wear them inside out or start using a new pair.

The MushroomVillage.com collection resides in a north-facing room (no direct sun) that is illuminated by incandescent bulbs when viewing is desired. A recording thermometer/hygrometer monitors and records temperature and humidity highs and lows. The room is climate controlled, and all Smurfs are stored in acrylic cases. Whenever Smurfs must be handled, it is done while wearing disposable white cotton gloves. I hope this article has provided much insight into PVC, it's formulation and properties, problems that arise in collectible PVC toys like Smurfs, and what we can do to control and even reverse those problems. If you have further questions and/or comments about PVC care and conservation, please post them to our Preservation, Conservation & Restoration forum.