Congratulations on your new vintage purchase! Two Little Birds hope you love it lots! Your new garment has been taken care of by it's previous owner for a long time and it is now your turn to take care of this vintage treasure! So here are a few basic care tips, so that you can continue to enjoy your vintage item for many years to come. Proper care will ensure that you get the most wear and enjoyment from your vintage wardrobe.
* Never store vintage items in a plastic dry cleaning bags. Fabrics need to be able to breathe. If you want to cover your garments use old cotton pillow cases or sheets.
* Never use wire hangers! They can ruin the fabric at the shoulders of garments. The force of gravity stretches the fabric and can lead to tears and rips over time. Many times the hangers will poke through shoulders and can completely rip and disintegrate the shoulders of clothing. NEVER store a beaded 20's dress on a hanger. The weight of the beads will stress shoulder fabric and lead to tears. Always use padded or wooden hangers and fold or roll your fragile silks, knits, rayon’s and beaded items carefully instead of hanging. Try not to stack heavy folded items as this will cause creasing and fold marks if items are stored long term.
* Never store clothing in heat, like an un-insulated attic or in a damp place like your basement. It is best to store vintage in a cool dark area (under a bed, in a drawer, in a closet in a spare bedroom).
* Fur coats or any items with fur trim should be stored in a cedar closet or cool dry place - not the attic or the basement!
* Keep clothes away from light. Light will cause fading and can deteriorate fabric over time. Store vintage clothing in darkness.
* Use lavender to keep away pests; keep it near by but not touching the fabrics.
* If possible, clean a vintage item immediately after wearing to avoid stains (especially perspiration) from setting. Most vintage garments older than mid 1960s were not intended to be washed in a machine and should be hand washed or dry-cleaned.
* If you are just trying to eliminate an odor try an at home dry cleaning kit. These kits work in your dryer by steaming and scenting the clothing. They work well for eliminating musty mildew smells and cigarette or cigar smells.
* Ensure that your vintage garment is washable before putting it in water. Use liquid detergent instead of powder; dry clean if in doubt about washing certain fabrics. Prior to washing check for weak seams, holes or frays. Use cool to warm water to avoid fade or running of garment dyes and spot clean first before washing. After washing lay out the garment on a drying rack, never in the dryer. |
