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Tips on How to Care for Antique Clothing

Tips on How to Care for Antique Clothing

 

Antique clothing and linens have grown in popularity as collectibles. Turn of the century fabrics may look antique, but the real deal antique clothing and fabrics come from the 17th and 18th centuries.

 

Early century textiles and fabrics can still be saved and restored with the proper technique and solutions. However, don't attempt on just using everyday fabric detergents and softeners to clean dusty antique fabrics for they can turn brittle and become fragile over the years.

 

Here are some easy and useful tips to care for antique clothing:

 

1. Do-it-yourself cleaning and restoration. You can clean and restore your inherited antique clothing if you have the patience and the right tools. First, don't just stick your antique clothing or fabric in the washing machine. Be gentle with the fabric at all times because the older it is, the more fragile it is.

 

If the antique clothing is dusty, use a handy vacuum cleaner to suck all the dust and dirt on the surface of the fabric. If there is beadwork, use fine-mesh screen or tulle to prevent loose beads from being sucked away.

 

Hand wash with natural-based detergents such as Orvus. Common detergents tend to yellow old fabrics because of the chemical reaction. Woolite is also a good
substitute.

 

Rinse your antique clothing thoroughly but gently. Use deionized water instead of regular tap water. Tap water may contain mineral deposits and high PH levels which may damage the antique clothing.

 

Don't wring the antique clothing. Press the fabric gently on top of a flat surface or squeeze gently to remove most of the water. Don't dry in a dryer or under direct sunlight. Let the excess water drip from the antique clothing while it is hanging to dry.

 

If you wish to iron your antique clothing, use parchment paper in between the iron and the fabric to prevent the fabric from getting burned. Use a lower temperature when ironing directly on to the fabric, but you need to be extra careful when doing so especially with very old antique clothing.

 

When storing your newly cleaned antique clothing, use parchment paper or clean white paper to wrap your fabrics before placing them in the cabinet. Wrapping your antique clothing before keeping them will prevent dirt and dust from accumulating.

 

2. Let the professionals do it. You may seek the help of museum restoration professionals to check on your antique clothing. You can also ask your local antique shop or needlework shop to recommend someone who knows how to restore antique clothing and textiles.

 

 



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