Vintage Clothing Restoration + Preservation
Washing: First, one rule of thumb for cleaning vintage clothing - if it's pre-1960s, DO NOT take it to the dry cleaner's!! I've personally not had this happen, but I know other vintage bloggers who highly advise against it because garments they've taken in have been returned with holes and tears. Unless you know someone who has experience with properly caring for vintage clothing, it's best not to risk receiving a damaged garment and just do it yourself at home. For my pre-1960s garments, I generally fill up the tub with cool water and let them soak in it for a few minutes. If - and only if - they are clearly dirty do I add any detergent; and when I do, I always make sure that it's 100% naturally-derived as it is much more gentle on older pieces than chemical-chalked detergents. However, this is only if it's absolutely necessary. For certain garments, especially ones that smell/appear to be clean or have supposedly been cleaned by the seller, I fin
