How to clean your WWF Hasbro loose action figures

26th August 2024

Your loose WWF Hasbro figures may be your pride and joy. Some of these loosies fetch in excess of $700, and the value of the collectible will increase the better the condition that it is in. For example, a minty 1-2-3 Kid is worth $650 on average as of August 2024, but an exceptional Kid could be worth just south of $1000. You might find one for $500 if the figure is dirty or in poor condition, as this would likely mean that the figure wouldn’t get a high score at the graders.

Matt Cardona of the Major Wrestling Figure Podcast made the term “fig bath” famous, and on occasion did show viewers of his YouTube channel on the best way to clean your figures. A "fig bath" refers to the process of carefully cleaning a collectible figure, by immersing it in water and gently scrubbing it. This method is used to remove dust, dirt, and other residues without damaging the figure's paint or delicate parts.

As mentioned, the phrase "fig bath" originates from the figure collecting community, where "fig" is a shorthand term for "figure." The idea of giving a figure a "bath" is a playful way to describe the cleaning process, emphasizing the care and attention collectors give to maintaining their figures in pristine condition.

What is the best way to clean your WWF Hasbro figure? Here are Retrofigure’s recommended steps and the materials required to give your figures a good “fig bath”.

What you will need

• Soft cloth or sponge: For wiping the figure.
• Mild soap or dish detergent: Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the paint.
• Lukewarm water: Hot water can cause warping or damage.
• Soft toothbrush or cotton swabs: For reaching small crevices.
• Clean towel: For drying.

Steps to make it nice and clean

• Preparation: Fill a bowl or sink with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild soap or dish detergent. Mix it to create a soapy solution.
• Wipe Down the Figure: Dampen a soft cloth or sponge in the soapy water and gently wipe down the figure. Avoid soaking the figure, especially if it has any electronic parts or stickers.
• Clean Small Crevices: Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs dipped in the soapy water to clean hard-to-reach areas like joints, seams, or intricate details. Be gentle to avoid scratching the surface.
• Rinse: Wipe the figure with a cloth dampened with clean water to remove any soap residue. Avoid submerging the figure entirely if it has any non-waterproof components.
• Dry: Pat the figure dry with a clean towel. Use compressed air to blow away any water trapped in small crevices or joints. Ensure the figure is completely dry to prevent mold or mildew.
• Inspection time: Once dry, inspect the figure for any remaining dirt or soap. Repeat the process if necessary.

It is absolutely essential that you do not use bleach, alcohol, or strong solvents as these can strip paint and damage the plastic. By following these above steps, you can safely clean your WWF Hasbro wrestling action figure and keep it looking great. Looking for more information? Why not check out Kyle Peterson's fig bath Youtube video!