Care and Cleaning Tips

Tips on Care and maintenance of Vintage and Fine Clothing

Spot Removal
Caution : before attempting to remove any spot you should always test the fabric with substance to be used, whether it's spot cleaner, alcohol, water etc. Test in an area that is not noticeable; for example the inside hem. Do this by soaking the end of a q-tip with the cleaner and pressing it on the fabric. If the q-tip comes away without discoloration the dyes are stable, If a ring forms, if there is discoloration when the area dries or if the q-tip shows dye residue DO NOT attempt to clean this at home. Instead bring it to a professional cleaner.
Note* Red is the least stable dye usually.
Note* There are always new spot removers out on the market. Some work and some do not. Usually you have just what you need right at home!

Cleaners

Windex!
This is my favorite. It works on most new stains and many old ones. It is very kind to fabrics and dyes. Always rinse or thoroughly blot after with warm water.

Alcohol
Alcohol removes many grease based stains as well as some pen marks. It also can dissolve some fabric dyes so be careful (ALWAYS TEST) Always rinse or thoroughly blot after with warm water.

White Vinegar
White vinegar works well on acid based stains, for example wine, tomato sauce or juice. Rinse afterwards.

409 or Fantastic
These products really are wonderful at removing many types of stubborn stains. Rinse area thoroughly afterwards.

Cleaning fluid
I use Everblume on some grease marks especially when the fabric is fragile or can't handle water.

Dish Soap and water
I like Ivory Liquid and lukewarm water. This works just great on newer stains. I also hand wash all my sweaters (cashmere included) with this. After washing them, roll them in a dry towel, reblock and dry flat. NEVER twist, wring or rub wool when washing. Just press down repeatedly by pushing the soapy water through. Rinse the same way and NEVER put it in the dryer.

Ammonia
Diluted ammonia is another good spot remover on food based stains. Rinse thoroughly.

Hairspray
Sprayed on an ink mark will often disolve it. You must then wash the area with soapy water and rinse. This could take up to three applications to remove the whole spot.

How to Spot Clean….After Testing of course!

1. Brush off anything clinging to fabric.
2. Place a white piece of terry cloth under the spot.
3. Soak the end of a white terrycloth or tea towel with the cleaner.
4. Blot with pressure on the spot and a little bit around the spot. NEVER rub. Do this a number of times moving the under cloth a few times to a clean area. Much of the stain will soak into this undercloth. Use more cleaner if necessary.
5. Dip an unused portion of the cloth into lukewarm water and keep blotting to remove all cleaner from fabric. This step is not necessary when using dry cleaning fluid. Be sure to feather out when blotting with water as well.
6. Now blot with a dry white towel to remove excess moisture.

A note about Rayon and Acetate and Weighted Silk

All of these fabrics, especially in older clothing can be quite fragile. You should not try to clean weighted silk in any way. Bring it to a professional cleaner. Older Rayon and Acetate become very weak when in contact with water which is in Windex, 409, Fantastic, vinegar and ammonia. Alcohol can make dyes run in Rayon and Acetates. Cleaning fluid is your best bet for removing spots from these fabrics. If you do use a water-based product be VERY careful and test what it does in an inconspicuous area of the fabric.

Be kind and gentle with all cleaning methods. Wringing, scrubbing or aggitating fabric weakens it. It is best to press water and cleaners through the fabric with the flat of your hands.