ARTICLES
Caring for your Vintage Clothing
Buying vintage clothing means you are buying a piece of history. Each item has been previously worn and well loved. In an effort to offer the best prices possible, we do not clean most items, unless noted, and you should expect to launder your item.
We do not guarantee any garment against damage occurring from dry cleaning or home laundering.
In most cases, a dry cleaning or hand washing is necessary, as a spin in the washing machine will be more rigorous than most garments can bear.
~Ensure that your vintage garment is washable before putting it in water. Some fabrics will shrink and others will not be colorfast. Do a spot test by placing a drop of water on an inner seam and letting it dry. If the fabric puckers or the dye runs, take the garment to your drycleaner.
~For fabrics that pass the water drop test, hand launder in warm water with a gentle soap. Always support the garment fully when wet, as some older fabrics may be weak. Rinse the garment thoroughly and lay flat to dry. Never put your vintage garment in the dryer.
~For items with spots or stains, we recommend soaking in Biz. Dissolve the Biz in very hot water first, and then add your vintage garment after the water cools a bit. You can soak your garment for several hours. Repeated treatments will help with stubborn stains.
~Always dry clean rayon, silk, wool, velvet, any garment that is lined, and any garment with beading.
~Use only a dry cleaner you trust and be sure he knows your garment is vintage and needs special attention before you walk away! Always remove vintage buttons and buckles before cleaning so they are not damaged. If you cannot find a dry cleaner, you trust, consult the owner of your local vintage clothing store, or contact a nearby museum with a textile collection and find out whom they use.
~Never store your vintage garments on wire hanger. Garments should be hung on padded hangers with plenty of room to breathe. Knits and rayons should always be stored folded, never hung. Store your vintage garments in a cool, dark area. Light can fade many vintage fabrics, especially rayon, silk, and cotton. Avoid storing vintage in areas that experience extremes in temperature, such as attics, or in areas that become damp, such as basements or porches.
~Never store your vintage garments in plastic. If you want to cover your