Washing Vintage Clothing, care for your special vintage and handmade clothing by Sarnia de la Mare

 How to Wash Vintage Clothes: A Gentle Guide for Timeless Garments

Vintage clothing has a charm that can’t be replicated. Whether it’s a delicate silk blouse from the 1950s, a bohemian dress from the 1970s, or an elegant velvet jacket from the 1920s, vintage pieces tell a story. But they also require extra care to preserve their beauty and integrity.

At Handmade by Sarnia, we love working with vintage fabrics for our handcrafted fashion items, and part of the joy of owning such unique garments is caring for them properly. Here’s a guide to washing vintage clothes so that your treasured pieces stay fabulous for years to come.

1. Check the Fabric Type

Before doing anything, take a moment to identify the fabric. Vintage garments often come in materials that are rarely used in today’s mass-produced clothing. Some common vintage fabrics include:

• Silk: Extremely delicate and prone to water spots.
• Wool: Can shrink or felt if handled improperly.
• Rayon: A semi-synthetic fiber that is often mislabeled as “dry clean only.”
• Cotton: More durable but can fade if not washed correctly.
• Velvet: Sensitive to moisture and pressure, requiring extra gentle care.

Once you know the fabric type, you can decide whether it’s safe to hand wash or if dry cleaning is necessary.

2. Hand Wash When Possible

Hand washing is often the best method for cleaning vintage clothing, especially delicate or intricate pieces.

Here’s how to hand wash vintage garments safely:

• Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add a gentle detergent. Look for something that’s designed for delicates, such as wool wash or baby shampoo.
• Gently submerge the garment in the water, and lightly agitate it. Avoid scrubbing or wringing the fabric, as this can cause damage.
• Let it soak for 10-15 minutes, then carefully rinse the garment in cool water until all the soap is gone.
• Lay flat to dry on a towel, gently reshaping the garment as it dries. Never hang wet vintage clothes, as this can stretch the fabric.

3. Dry Cleaning: Use with Caution

Some vintage items, especially those made of silk, velvet, or heavily embellished with sequins or embroidery, might need dry cleaning. However, be cautious—modern dry cleaning methods can sometimes be too harsh for older fabrics. If possible, look for a dry cleaner that specializes in vintage garments and inquire about their methods before handing over your prized pieces.

4. Spot Clean When Necessary

Not every stain requires a full wash. For small stains, you can often spot clean using a mixture of water and a gentle detergent or vinegar. Test the solution on a hidden area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration. Use a soft cloth or cotton swab to dab the stain, being careful not to rub the fabric too hard.

5. Avoid the Washing Machine

Even on the gentlest cycle, washing machines can be too rough on fragile vintage items. If you must use a machine, place the garment in a mesh laundry bag and choose the delicate setting with cold water. But generally, it's best to keep vintage pieces far away from the machine to avoid any mishaps.

6. Storage is Key

Once your vintage garment is clean, proper storage is essential to maintain its condition. Here are a few tips:

• Use padded hangers for dresses, coats, and delicate tops to help the fabric retain its shape.
• Store knits flat to prevent stretching.
• Avoid direct sunlight or damp places, as this can cause fading and mildew.
• Cover garments with a breathable cloth cover, like cotton, rather than plastic, which can trap moisture and cause yellowing.

7. Beware of Heat

Heat is the enemy of most vintage fabrics. Never use a hot iron directly on vintage clothing. Instead, use a low heat setting or steam the garment while it’s hanging to release wrinkles. If ironing is necessary, place a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric to protect it from direct heat.

Conclusion

Washing and caring for vintage clothing can be an art form in itself, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By treating these garments with the love and care they deserve, you can keep their history alive while enjoying their beauty for many more years.

At Handmade by Sarnia, we cherish vintage fabrics and understand the importance of caring for them properly. Whether you’ve purchased a one-of-a-kind item from us or have your own vintage collection, following these tips will help keep your garments looking their best.

Feel free to explore more on how we upcycle and create exquisite, handcrafted fashion items from vintage materials by visiting our eBay shop or reading more on our blog.

Happy vintage washing!

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