how to wash vintage clothes

You have many wonderful items hanging in your closet, but if you want them to look new again, you need to make sure they’re cleaned properly. This article will teach you how to wash vintage clothes so you can bring them back to life and wear them again, knowing they will look as good as new.

Get Everything You Need In Advance

It’s essential to have the right tools for this job, so do some research online before you go shopping. You will need an old-school washing machine, a dryer, and some old towels. Make sure you have everything before you start so there are no unpleasant surprises afterward. Also, read the instructions thoroughly so you don’t end up damaging your clothes in any way.

Start Small

Start small, simple items first, like socks and under-garments. Work your way up to trousers, skirts, and jumpers. Dry cleaning is usually not the best choice for delicate items like underwear and socks, so you will need to wash them by hand or on a gentle cycle in the washing machine. Make sure your washing machine is big enough to accommodate several large pieces of clothing at a time. You can also use these items as a guide to determine what size washer you will require.

Rip Your Clothing In Half

Lay your clothing out on a clean, flat surface and use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the clothing along the front of the garment. This will give you clean, unattached sides that can be washed and dried cleaned individually. It’s a great way to clean dresses, party dresses, and other clothing that gets dirty easily.

A Bit Of A Rub Down

Dry your clothing lightly on both sides with a clean, soft cloth. This will help minimize wrinkles and restore some of the shape and style you had when you first wore it. Make sure you use non-soap, non-woven fabrics like silk to make sure the water and air dry quickly. You can also use a steam iron on some of the larger pieces to further minimize wrinkles.

Lay Things Out On A Trolley

Lay your clothing out on a clean, ironing board or table and use a hair-clipping comb to gently separate and smooth out the wrinkles. This will help your clothing look like it just came from the dry cleaners. If you have a lot of stains or grease spots, they can be brushed off with a bit of detergent and water before you lay the item out to dry.

A Warm Water Wash

To remove stains from your clothing, you need to use a combination of a shampoo and warm water. The warmth of the wash water will help break down the residue left by dry cleaning, while the shampoo will remove extra grease and moisture that may have built up while your clothing was drying. If your hair and skin feel dry after washing, you may need to use a conditioning product like coconut or almond oil to make sure they stay moisturized. Let the wet clothing air dry, then lay it out on a clean, dry surface to finish drying.

A Final Shine

To give your clothing a final shine, simply spray it with a little bit of water and let settle for a minute or two. This will help bring your clothes to life and make them appear as good as new again. You can also use a small hand fan to further enhance the effect.

As you can see, there are several different ways to take good care of your vintage clothes. Always make sure the fabrics are cleaned properly before you wear them again, and remember to start small and work your way up.