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Vintage Clothing Care Guide
This step-by-step clothing care guide ensures your precious vintage pieces remain as timeless as the day they were created.
Knowing how to care for your vintage clothes is essential to preserve garment longevity. With the right care, storage, and a little TLC, your vintage items can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Follow these basic steps and your clothes will look better and last longer!
Cleaning Your Vintage Clothing
1. Read the care label
Always start by reading the care label on your vintage garment. Follow the washing instructions when available, as they are tailored to the fabric’s specific needs. If there is no care label, treat the garment according to the textile.
2. Inspect for damage
Before washing, check for loose seams, holes, or frays. Repair any minor issues to avoid further damage during washing.
3. Hand wash or dry clean
For garments from the pre-1960s era, hand washing or dry cleaning is a must, as these pieces can be fragile and not withstand the agitation of machine washing. For very old or delicate fabrics, simply airing the garment outside can effectively remove odors without risking damage, or you can always spray with your favorite natural clothing freshener.
4. Steaming
Some pieces are trickier to clean, or are even too delicate for washing and dry cleaning. In some instances it’s best to lightly steam or spot steam problem areas like armpits.
5. Special fabrics
Hand wash delicate fabrics like silk, fine wool, velvet and beaded pieces. Dry cleaning can be effective for some vintage pieces but not all, speak to your local dry cleaner for advice.
6. Avoid the dryer
Always hang your freshly washed vintage garments on a drying rack, or even lay flat for some very delicate pieces. Using a dryer can cause shrinkage, weaken fibers or damage the shape or finish of the item.
7. Wash less frequently
Minimize washing to help preserve the integrity of the fabric. Spot clean when necessary, and air out garments to keep them fresh between wears.
Storing Your Vintage Clothing
1. Optimal storage conditions
Store your vintage garments in a dry, dust-free place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and fabric deterioration.
2. Post-wear care
After wearing, hang your vintage garments to dry out perspiration instead of leaving them in a laundry basket until wash day. This practice helps prevent mildew and odor build-up.
3. Proper hangers
Use wooden or padded hangers for your vintage garments. Wire hangers can stretch fabrics and cause rips over time. For fragile silks, knits, and beaded items, folding is preferable to hanging.
4. Breathable storage
Avoid plastic bags or plastic storage containers, as they do not allow the fabric to breathe. Opt for cotton garment bags or acid-free tissue paper to protect your pieces while allowing airflow.
5. Rotate your wardrobe
Move your clothing seasonally to air out your wardrobe, shake out the dust and check for signs of moths.
Additional Tips for Vintage Clothing Care
1. Dealing with stains
Treat stains immediately to prevent them from setting in. Use gentle, fabric-specific stain removers, and always test on an inconspicuous area first.
2. Moth prevention
Protect your woolens from moths by using natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets, or place drops of essential oil in the corners of your wardrobe or drawers. Regularly check your storage for any signs of moth activity. If anything has been affected, immediately wash and hang out in the sun (if possible). You can always freeze garments to kill eggs and larvae. Moths love dark, undisturbed areas so always clear out your wardrobe regularly.
3. Repair
Don’t be quick to chuck out damaged garments. There are so many ways to repair things creatively. Check online for repair and customization inspiration.
Marlis shirt