The Cleaning Clothes (vintage or other) Thread

[Miss Sis]

Do you think the trim is actually metal? It is most likely not, however, even a quick handwash with a delicate washing liquid shouldn't do it any harm. I would much rather handwash if possible than send things to the drycleaners.

And when I say handwash, I do mean handwash in a bucket or sink, so you can whip it out incase of colour bleeding, etc.

 

[Inky]

Do you think the trim is actually metal? It is most likely not, however, even a quick handwash with a delicate washing liquid shouldn't do it any harm. I would much rather handwash if possible than send things to the drycleaners.

And when I say handwash, I do mean handwash in a bucket or sink, so you can whip it out incase of colour bleeding, etc.

I don't think it's actual metal but it's that shiny looking rick-rack common on the squaw/patio dresses i've seen before.

I think I will try washing it this week, by hand in a bucket and see what happens. thanks Miss Sis!

 

[cailinbeag]

What a helpful thread! I didn't read through the whole thing, but have noticed a few issues on this page that I thought I might be able to help with.

For rust stains, try Hydrogen Peroxide. It's one of the few solutions that doesn't require rubbing. Just blot it lightly on the affected area, repeating until the stain is gone. This actually works really well for any protein stains, too (ie. blood), but only use it on light colored fabric, as it is a natural lightener. For white linens, though, it would do well, I think.

For grease stains, try dabbing a bit of liquid detergent on the affected area while it's dry, rubbing it in gently, and then allow it to sit before handwashing. Water soluble products don't break grease down, they just float on top of it. This trick has worked on every grease stain I've gotten.

For mustiness/BO/smoke/random funky odor, use a 50/50 mix of water/vinegar and lightly spray the entire garment down (this works for leather too, by the way, but I would spot test silk as some of them can water mark). While still damp, place it in a plastic bag, seal it and allow it to sit for a day or two. Take it out and check it, then repeat if necessary. Once you're done, give it a good airing. Don't worry - the vinegar smell goes away almost immediately. And you don't need to wash the garment after.

 

[SpatzKat]

If you ladies would pardon the intrusion, I've been following this thread a bit and would like to offer a suggestion for the body odor problem that has been mentioned.
While I cannot fully state that it is safe on all fabrics, I use a product called "Natures Miracle." I've successfully used it (diluted) on vintage rayon and use it near exclusively on cottons and polys. On the rayon I only do a quick spritz, never soaking and then blow it dry with cool air.
The product is meant for removing pet odors (urine especially) and I believe it is enzyme based. I carry a spray bottle of it in my gear bag (I participate in competition fencing) and it does one heck of a job keeping any personal odors and mildews at bey. Hope this is helpful.

 

[Miss 1929]

Tragedy!

My white cotton pique dress did something very odd in storage. I think the starch in the fabric reacted to my sunscreen. When I pulled it out for summer, the outsides of the sleeves were dark brown!

So I soaked it in Oxyclean which worked beautifully on the stain, all gone. But as I rinsed it out, the fabric disintegrated, washing away in tears and holes...

Unfortunately, the sleeves are part of a yoke and I don't have more of the matching fabric. I think I can shorten them instead.

I am most disgruntled as I wanted to wear it to the QM this weekend. Gr.

Has anyone else had disintegration problems with Oxy? I should have used Biz...

This dress...

 

[maisie]

For mustiness/BO/smoke/random funky odor, use a 50/50 mix of water/vinegar and lightly spray the entire garment down (this works for leather too, by the way, but I would spot test silk as some of them can water mark). While still damp, place it in a plastic bag, seal it and allow it to sit for a day or two. Take it out and check it, then repeat if necessary. Once you're done, give it a good airing. Don't worry - the vinegar smell goes away almost immediately. And you don't need to wash the garment after.

Oo I have a lovely grey suit that I just can't wear beacuse it smells of BO so badly, so I was just wondering is it malt or white vingear you use as i'm definatly willing to try this out! I would normally wash any items with an odor, but this is a grey suit with kelly green trim and green and purple embroidery... so I was very worried it would run :s!!!

 

[SayCici]

Oo I have a lovely grey suit that I just can't wear beacuse it smells of BO so badly, so I was just wondering is it malt or white vingear you use as i'm definatly willing to try this out! I would normally wash any items with an odor, but this is a grey suit with kelly green trim and green and purple embroidery... so I was very worried it would run :s!!!

Yeah, I have this green, black and white silk dress that REEKS but I don't want to hand wash it myself in case it runs. :/

 

[Medvssa]

Laundering tips

I searched for this and couldn't find a thread about general laundering tips (just some especific ones), I thought it may be a useful thread to have

I just received a vintage handbag I bought on Etsy. I haven't had the chance to take my own pictures yet, but for now the listing may suffice:
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=19133455

It is in good condition, but dusty and desperately needing refreshment I am considering giving it a gentle hand wash, but I am worried mostly about the pleating, could it be lost by laundering?
The fabric seems some sort of sateen weave, I don't know which material it is, it may be cotton, rayon, or even synthetic (doesn't feel like poly though).
The interior is satin and looks like it can definitely stand a wash with no problem. I think there is no underlining, but I may be wrong.

I don't know if the dry cleaners would accept it (I could ask though) or even if I trust them

Any suggestions? thanks!

 

[Foofoogal]

I personally think do not touch with water. Some black older fabric runs badly. I have ruined a dress.

This one.

I am also still trying to figure out how to clean this dress.

I bought another one that is brocade and filthy. If I would not of ruined the top black one I would be so tempted to try and clean it in soapy warm water but no way. I will not touch them.
I still think maybe the top one could be dyed by someone but not me.


I know any silk you cannot use oxyclean or such.

 

[sixsexsix]

You could try contacting the people at Holt's, I have always found their customer service to be extraordinary. Even though your item was not bought at their store, I'm sure they would be pleased to help.

http://www.holtrenfrew.com/holts/pages/contact/contactus.dot?language_id=1

 

[KittyT]

Try this thread - -merged LD-

 

[analiebe]

foofoo... i have used a lot of vintage/ antique japanese silk brocades in my design work and some have been filthy - do your research & find a good specialist drycleaner - mine are wonderful and have been able to successfully launder fabric up to 150 years old without any fiber disintegration

I bought another one that is brocade and filthy. If I would not of ruined the top black one I would be so tempted to try and clean it in soapy warm water but no way. I will not touch them.
I still think maybe the top one could be dyed by someone but not me.


I know any silk you cannot use oxyclean or such.

 

[Miss Sis]

My white cotton pique dress did something very odd in storage. I think the starch in the fabric reacted to my sunscreen. When I pulled it out for summer, the outsides of the sleeves were dark brown!

So I soaked it in Oxyclean which worked beautifully on the stain, all gone. But as I rinsed it out, the fabric disintegrated, washing away in tears and holes...


Has anyone else had disintegration problems with Oxy? I should have used Biz...

Hmmm, most unusual for cotton to do this. Did you use new or vintage fabric? If vintage then of course you have to consider dry rot, but for new, well, I can only guess that chemicals from the sunscreen broke down the fabric?

Did you wash the dress before you put it away? I'd always recommend that to get rid of any nasties. It's a real shame to find something happened to items like your dress! Commiserations.

 

[Hana]

I figure this is as good a thread as any to ask how would you safely clean a 60-odd year old parachute silk wedding dress?

 

[Miss Sis]

Hana, in my experience, parachute silk is pretty tough and I'm sure it could survive a gentle handwash. Alot of it isn't really silk, but treat it as if it is and you can't go far wrong.

Firstly, does it have any particular marks, or is it just a bit all round grubby? I suggest washing it in a bath so it has plenty of space to lie flat and using a gentle liquid wash for delicates. If it has marks, add a really good dose of liquid Vanish* to the water and detergent and soak it for a bit, gently pushing it up and down in the water occassionally.

When it seems clean - and remember, things sometimes need soaking for 12 - 24 hours or they may need a few washes to get really clean - drain the water out and if you can use the shower head to rinse it whilst it is still flat to avoid putting any stress on the fabric. If you can't do that, fill the bath with clean water and rinse till there are no more suds.

Squeeze gently and roll in a towel to take out excess water before drying flat. I find ontop of a towel over a drying rack works pretty well. Don't hang it on a hanger when it's really wet! This may tear the shoulders.

If the fabric is really strong, I spin in a washing machine on a low-ish spin speed in a pillowcase or wash bag then dry flat.

When nearly dry, iron carefully on a low heat.

*Vanish in the bright pink bottle. Check on the back it is the one suitable for wool and silk.

 

[ThesFlishThngs]

Is there any way to tell for sure if a silk item is safe for hand washing (despite a 'dry clean only' label)?

 

[Hana]

Thank you very much Miss Sis.
I shall try as soon as possible.

 

[Miss Sis]

Is there any way to tell for sure if a silk item is safe for hand washing (despite a 'dry clean only' label)?

Most soft silk used for things like blouses without special finishes can be washed. Manufacturers are always putting Dry Clean only on things which are often perfectly safe to wash - they just don't want to be liable for things going wrong!

I wouldn't wash heavy dupion/raw silks or things that are the sort of weight to make a structured dress. I think the main thing is to use the right kind of washing liquid (delicate) and water temperature (tepid).

 

[ThesFlishThngs]

Thanks, Miss Sis. That's kind of what I was thinking. Though I have a cream silk blouse that the Mr. tossed into the the machine with everything else, and when it came out, the finish was, well, different. I suspect most of my other items (the ones with a more matte finish) would probably be okay with a gentle, mild sink soaking.

 

[Miss Sis]

Yes, don't wash silk on a normal machine wash with regular detergent! Either hand or delicate cycle in the machine with delicate wash fluid - but I think most American machines are too harsh for delicate items. European front loaders are more gentle.

I have lived places with both types of machine, so I understand them. I know what you mean about the finish being different. Sometimes with washing that's the case, although it doen't change the fabric hugely if washed right. Worth it, mostly, to save on dry cleaning bills.

(You may have guessed I'm keen on washing but not on dry cleaning if you can avoid it!)