Manhattan Vintage x The Laundress
How to Care for Vintage
The beautiful thing about vintage is that it brings the best of the past into the present. Proper care will ensure that even the most delicate vintage pieces stay beautiful for the future, too. Read on for expert vintage care tips from The Laundress fabric care specialists.
Don’t forget to shop theManhattan Vintage Showto discover treasured additions to your closet.Discover more info on attending here.
The Laundress Difference
Handwash
Laundering by hand is the gentlest method for delicate vintage items. Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add Delicate Wash (or Wool & Cashmere Shampoo for knits). These concentrated enzyme-free solutions are designed for cold-water cleansing. Agitate the water gently to ensure even distribution, then soak for up to 30 minutes. Carefully press – don’t wring – out excess water after soaking.
Machine Wash
Durable vintage items like denim and bulky sweaters can take a spin in the machine! Always turn inside out and place in a Mesh Bag to add a layer of protection during the wash. Select a cold, delicate cycle and use Wool & Cashmere Shampoo for knits and Signature Detergent for denim and other cotton and poly fabrics. For more delicate items like blouses and sleepwear, opt for Delicate Wash and be sure to select a “hand wash” or delicate cycle with low spin. Remove promptly from the machine after washing to cut down on wrinkling.
Dry
It's always best to air-dry vintage items to preserve fit and finish. Lay pieces flat on a clean towel and roll up to remove excess water. Lighter items can hang dry, while bulkier garments should be laid flat. Not sure whether to hang or to dry? Check out our go-to guide.
Freshen
Steam as needed for the perfect wrinkle-free finish. It’s important to avoid over-washing delicates, so a hand steamer is the ideal tool to freshen in between washes and wears. If ironing delicates, be sure to use a protective cloth in between the garment and the iron to help prevent scorching. Avoid ironing knits, as it can crush and flatten the yarns.Good To Know
Before laundering at home, always test fabrics for color bleeding and water reactions to ensure washability. It’s also important to look at the construction of your item to determine whether it can be submerged in water. Vintage garments with heavily dyed patterns, embellishments, or sequins should generally not be washed, as well as items with shoulder pads, heavy boning or structuring, or lining that differs in fabric type from the outer shell. These types of garments may warp or change shape and finish when exposed to water. Additionally, if something is tagged “dry clean only” it may not be washable, so leave it to the professionals. Steaming with a hand steamer is a great option for freshening non-washable fabrics at home between wears.
More Tips for Treasured Fabrics
Clean and Preserve Precious Wool & Cashmere At Home
Hand Wash Delicates At Home
How To Care For Denim
All techniques are based on textile science. Not all garments perform and react as science would predict.