Vintage clothing requires special care and maintenance to keep it looking its best and preserve it for years to come. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your vintage pieces.
Why is caring for vintage clothing important?
Vintage clothing is usually made from delicate, natural fabrics that require gentle cleaning methods. Aggressive washing can cause damage like shrinking, fraying, or color loss. Additionally, vintage pieces are rare and often one-of-a-kind, so preserving their condition maintains their historical and monetary value.
How should you wash vintage clothing?
Always check the fabric care label before washing. If the garment is very delicate or damaged, consider dry cleaning. For washable vintage fabrics:
- Wash by hand in cool or lukewarm water using a gentle detergent, never hot water
- Avoid vigorous scrubbing or wringing
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap
- Lay flat or hang to dry, away from direct sunlight or heat
Washing machines can be too harsh, but if you must use one, select the gentlest cycle and coldest water temperature. Use garment bags for extra protection.
How do you get stains out of vintage clothing?
Treat stains as soon as possible by blotting excess liquid. Avoid rubbing, which can set the stain. Always test stain removal methods on an inconspicuous area first.
- For water-based stains, dilute mild detergent in water and dab it on the stain, then rinse.
- For oil-based stains, use an oil-removing solvent like tetrachloroethylene, handling carefully.
- For persistent stains, make a paste with powder and water and apply it to the stain before washing.
Bleaching and color safe bleach are too harsh for vintage fabric. For whites, a non-chlorine bleach may be an option, but test first.
How should you store vintage clothing?
Proper storage helps prevent damage to vintage clothing between wears:
- Keep vintage clothing in a cool, dark place with low humidity to prevent fading.
- Avoid wire or plastic hangers, instead use padded hangers to prevent dents.
- Never fold or bunch vintage pieces tightly, as creases can crack delicate fibers.
- Store delicate fabrics in archival tissue paper inside acid-free boxes.
- Use cedar blocks or sachets to repel moths and other insects.
How can you repair minor damage or flaws?
Here are some tips for repairing common vintage clothing damage:
- Missing buttons: Replace with matching buttons, either vintage or reproduction.
- Small holes/tears: Close with tiny stitches by hand using matching thread. For invisible mending, thread the needle under fabric yarns.
- Loose hems/linings: Hand sew using a blind stitch to secure them.
- Loose beads: Re-affix by hand with clear nail polish or fabric glue.
Visible mending can also be an artistic option, using colorful embroidery to creatively close tears. For more significant damage, consult a vintage clothing specialist.
How should you iron vintage clothing?
Iron with caution to avoid scorching delicate fabrics. Key tips:
- Use low heat and steam on most fabrics, medium heat on very sturdy fabrics only.
- Place fabric between cloth or paper to avoid direct contact with the iron.
- Iron curved areas like collars first, then iron open flat areas.
- Never iron directly on beading, sequins or other embellishments.
Test on a hidden area first. Press gently rather than pushing or scrubbing with the iron. Use a press cloth to protect fabric; a damp cloth will also release wrinkles through steam.
What are some general tips for maintaining vintage clothing?
- Wear an underslip for extra protection and to prevent dress perspiration stains.
- Hang vintage garments on padded hangers at the shoulder seams to maintain shape.
- Store tissue paper between creases and folds to prevent imprinting.
- Spot clean stains quickly using recommended methods to avoid setting.
- Hand wash gently in cool water instead of frequent dry cleaning.
- Let vintage garments rest between wears to maintain elasticity.
- Mend any holes, tears, or loose stitches promptly to avoid worsening.
- Do a test swatch before using any cleaning or stain removal methods.
- Have delicate vintage clothing professionally cleaned or repaired if needed.
How should knitwear and sweaters be washed?
Vintage knitwear is usually wool or wool blends. Take extra care, as agitation can cause snags and shrinkage:
- Hand wash flat garments like sweaters by submerging briefly in cool water with gentle detergent or wool wash.
- Don’t rub, twist or wring – gently squeeze water out and reshape flat to dry.
- For knitted garments, support pieces by hand while in water to prevent stretching.
- Dry flat away from direct heat – blocking knits back into shape if needed.
- Store folded loosely with acid free tissue in the folds.
Heavy sweaters may be machine washed on delicate/gentle cycle in garment bags. Lay flat to dry. Check for shrinkage before drying fully.
How do you clean silk pieces?
Vintage silk is very delicate and requires special care:
- Hand wash only using mild silk detergent or gentle shampoo.
- Rinse thoroughly in cool water.
- Don’t wring or twist silk when wet, as fibers are fragile when saturated.
- Roll in a towel to absorb moisture, then air dry on a flat surface away from direct sunlight.
- Iron while still slightly damp using low heat if needed.
- Never use chlorine bleach as it will discolor and damage silk fibers.
Dry clean for heavy staining, but over-dry cleaning can wear down silk over time. If machine washing, use a mesh garment bag on delicate cycle.
What steps should be taken for cotton, denim and linen pieces?
Cotton, denim and linen pieces can typically be machine washed but still require care:
- Wash in cool water on gentle cycle with mild detergent.
- Turn garments inside out to protect embellishments and limit abrasion.
- Use color catcher sheets to prevent dyes from bleeding.
- Line dry or dry flat – avoid over-drying in machines which can damage fibers.
- Iron while slightly damp using medium heat. Linen can take very high heat ironing.
Heavily soiled denim may require soaking prior to washing. Avoid frequent washing, instead spot clean when possible, to retain color and softness.
What methods should be used for delicates and unmentionables?
Intimate apparel like slips, bras, girdles and hosiery need gentle cleaning:
- Hand wash delicates using mild detergent, rinse thoroughly in cool water.
- Use lingerie wash bags for machine washing on delicate cycle.
- Dry flat or on a drying rack, away from direct sunlight.
- Use stretch-resistant laundry nets for hosiery placed on delicate cycle.
- To preserve elasticity in vintage lingerie, replace elastic if it becomes brittle.
Take care when handling vintage delicates to avoid snags, pulls or tearing. Mend any openings in seams promptly. Store folded loosely away from humidity.
How can specialty vintage items be cleaned?
Unique vintage accessories and specialty items require customized care:
- Leather – Clean with gentle leather soap and water. Condition regularly. Store away from light.
- Fur – Specialist fur cleaning only. Store in cool place over the summer.
- Hats -Brush gently with a soft brush. Spot clean stains. Store in hat boxes.
- Handbags – Clean with mild leather cleaner. Stuff with tissue to retain shape.
- Footwear – Wipe clean and apply polish. Use cedar shoe trees to maintain shape.
- Jewelry – Clean with soft cloth and mild soap. Store pieces separately.
Always read fabric content labels and research care of specialty vintage items to prevent damage or loss of value.
When should you have vintage clothing professionally cleaned/repaired?
Seeking professional help is recommended when:
- You are unsure of the fiber content or how to wash a vintage garment.
- There are complex stains, or a piece is heavily soiled.
- Delicate embellishments, beading, or fabric need special handling.
- Damage like tears requires invisible mending.
- Pieces need structural repairs to inner construction or linings.
Vintage specialists have the expertise to properly handle fragile antique textiles using appropriate methods. This preserves the historical and monetary value of vintage fashion.
What clothing-care products are recommended?
When shopping for vintage clothing care products, look for:
- Mild, phosphate-free detergents for delicates.
- Wool or cashmere washes with lanolin to protect fibers.
- Non-chlorine bleaches that won’t damage dyes.
- Silicone-free products to protect fragile fabrics.
- Acid-free tissue and archival storage materials.
- Naptha soap for spot stain removal.
- Dry cleaning solvents like Pure Dry Cleaner for home use.
Always test new products on inconspicuous areas first. Never use abrasive chemicals or materials that could snag delicate fabrics.
Conclusion
Caring for treasured vintage clothing requires gentle cleaning and storage methods to protect delicate fabrics. By hand washing garments in cool water with mild detergents, making minor repairs promptly, and avoiding harsh chemicals or handling, you can keep vintage fashions looking their best for generations to come.
