Love vintage fashion? Learn the best way to wash your pre-loved vintage finds with expert tips and natural products that get the job done without damaging your vintage clothing.
There’s nothing quite like going to your local charity shop, car boot sale, thrift store or vintage shop and unearthing a vintage Versace jacket or vintage Adidas sweatshirt from the ‘90s. But how do you wash vintage clothes?
Let’s be real…old stuff smells. Even if it's a newer item from the ‘00s, it still carries that distinct second-hand store odour, the kind that clings to the fabric.
Ready for some professional advice and tips to keep your vintage clothing in the best shape? Let's go!
How Do You Wash Vintage Clothes?
First things first, check the labels. Only wash vintage clothes in a washer that have machine washing instructions. If in doubt, do not put into a washing machine.
Make sure to zip all zippers and fasten buttons before washing so that your clothes do not damage each other. Do as your mother taught you and separate your whites and darks – make sure there are no red t-shirts near your white t-shirts!
Wash at 30 degrees where possible, use gentle cycles or lightly hand-wash.
What Can Be washed?
Cotton, linen, polyester, nylon, some acetates, spandex, and synthetics were created to be able to be machine washed.
Top tip, never put wool in the washer! If your garment feels thin or is pre 1970s, we would strongly suggest to always hand wash your vintage clothing.
If you are concerned that the fabric is too delicate, don't wash it at all! Spot clean or brush your garments to remove any stains or debris.
Turn your vintage clothing inside out to air dry between wears, or give them a quick steam to remove odours, and always air dry after washing.
How To Wash Clothes By Hand:
- Sort clothing by lights and darks and wash separately. Fill up your sink or plastic tub with warm water and pour in small amount of your favourite laundry detergent.
- Put your vintage clothing into water and gentle move them in the water. Wait ten minutes and let the vintage clothing soak.
- Take the clothing out and drain the water. Rinse the clothing gently under the tap to wash off the dirty water and suds. Hang out the vintage garments to dry.
Do You Have To Wash Vintage Clothes Before Wearing Them?
Owning vintage clothing truly is like owning your own little piece of history! Each item you own comes with its own story and has lived through many decades.
Learning how to clean vintage clothes properly allows you to preserve that history and keep your items looking their best so you can continue to add to their unique stories.
When you treat yourself to some new vintage clothing, always wash your vintage clothing before you wear it by either hand wash, machine wash or dry clean.
How To Repair Vintage Clothes
Do not be scared by any small rip or large hole on your vintage clothing. Anything, big or small, is repairable.
To avoid the issues getting worse, make sure you repair your vintage clothing as soon as you can. Speak to your local tailor for super easy and fast fixes on the bigger jobs you don’t feel confident in handling.
Old metal zippers should be carefully repaired with graphite pencil, vaseline or zipper lube to keep them gliding smoothly through your clothing.
Look at the buttons on your vintage clothes too, some may need to be replaced with a simply needle and thread!
When Shouldn't You Wash Vintage Clothes?
We would strongly advise not machine washing delicate fabrics or vintage clothing older than 1970s.
Be your own judge, does the fabric feel thin and lightweight? Does it feel like any damage could occur during a machine wash? If so, hand wash using the steps provided above. One thing we do know though, is never put your leather garments in to the washing machine!
Can You Get Musty Smells Out of Vintage Clothes Without Washing Them?
Yes! Absolutely. Although we always strongly advise washing the clothing if the odour still persists, there are hundreds of options on every supermarket shelf that gives your clothing a fresh smell before letting the garment air dry.
At 97th Vintage, all garments are washed before being advertised for sale on our website to ensure all products are sent to you in the best condition possible.
Should You Wash Clothes Before Donating Vintage Clothes?
Having a clear out or wanting to refresh your wardrobe? There are plenty of ways to give them a new life.
Do not throw away your old clothes! Upcycle your clothes through a Cut & Sew process. Swap your clothes with friends & family. Sell your old clothes on Vinted, eBay or at your local car boot sale. Or simply donate to your local charity shop (washing your vintage clothes before donating is strongly advised!).
At 97th Vintage, we make sure that all vintage clothing is wearable again, but if you are still confused on how to wash your clothes, get in touch with us here jordan@97thvintage.com.
