How to Care for Vintage Clothing
So, you’ve just bought your dream vintage piece. Maybe it’s a silk kimono or a beautiful leather bag, but what do you do now? How can you ensure this item will last for decades to come? Preservation is the key to long-lasting vintage clothing and will be the reason you’re able to pass down your favorites.
Hand Wash vs. Tumble Dry
Be sure to do research on the fabrics you’re purchasing. Delicate fabrics are often best preserved with a hand wash or dry clean. If you’re not in the mood to spend money on dry cleaning your clothes every time some ketchup drips from your burger, hand washing is the next best thing. There are tons of tutorials on how to do it properly so your clothes last.
Here are the fabrics that can be put in the wash:
- Cotton
- Linen
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Other synthetics
Don't Over Wash
You don’t need to wash your vintage clothing items every time you wear them. Even if your clothes get a little smelly (not post-gym smelly, but normal everyday wear) they don’t need to be washed immediately. Air out your clothes outside or wherever you hang-dry your clothes to get rid of everyday smells. Washing your vintage clothes only when they’ve got stains or serious odor will preserve the longevity of your garments.
Spot Treat Stains Like a Pro
Spilled red wine on your lace blouse? There’s a way to get it out. Pretty much all stains can be removed with the right treatment, so make sure you’re cleaning your garments the right way. Here’s a go-to guide on getting rid of pesky stains. Vintage clothing can easily be salvaged with the right stain removal process.
Store Your Vintage Clothes Properly
Don’t store your dry-cleaned vintage clothes in the plastic garment bags – this just promotes deterioration because of the lack of airflow. Instead, store your vintage clothing on wooden, plastic, or cloth hangers to ensure breathability. Metal hangers only distort and stretch your clothing. Never hang knitwear or other delicate pieces of clothing.
Additionally, having lavender near your clothing, like in potpourri sachets, will keep away pests without ruining your clothes.
