Washing Vintage:
· Always start by reading the tags on the clothing whenever possible.
· Use cold or lukewarm water with a gentle eco-friendly detergent.
· Air dry your clothes whenever possible. For best results, hang the garment on a clothesline or lay it flat on a towel or rack to prevent any stretching.
· Put like colours together and wash special items separately.
· Avoid agitation or friction, which can lead to fading or tearing
· Not all fabrics can be washed in the traditional sense, wool, leather or silk for example have unique requirements, so let a professional dry cleaner treat them or look up for specific cleaning methods.
Storing Vintage:
· Make sure clothes are completely dry before storing them.
· Keep your vintage pieces in a dry, dust-free place away from direct sunlight.
· Humidity or damp will damage delicate fibers and sunlight can fade prints and colours.
· Keep vintage clothes stored where they can breathe, not in plastic covers.
· Refrain from hanging your items on metal hangers, instead use wooden or cloth-covered padded hangers to distance the material from rust and discoloration.
Other Tips:
· Use a steamer with distilled water for removing wrinkles.
· Use beeswax to stuck zippers.
· Let wool garments rest between wears for at least 24 hours.
· Avoid fabric softeners and synthetic detergents.
· Use natural leather conditioners and brushes on your leather items.
· Use moth prevention traps.
· Use a dehumidifer to avoid mold growth.
· Wear an undershirt before putting on wool knits to prevent body odors, oils, and dirt from passing on to them.
· Wash less and only when necessary: Don't wash clothes after every wear.