How you care for your vintage can mean the difference between a dress that disintegrates after a few wears, and one that becomes a coveted family heirloom. But don't let that intimidate you. Here are some simple guidelines for caring for your vintage.
Things your vintage does NOT like:
Direct Light
Plastic Bags & Bins
Wire Hangers
Washing Machines
Natural Oils From Hands
Frequent Washing/Dry Cleaning
- Keep your vintage away from the light. Both direct sun and overhead lights have the ability to bleach your vintage overtime. Keep her hanging in your closet. Unless she is stretchy, like a knit. Then keep her stored laying flat to avoid the harsh ways of gravity.
- Plastic will suffocate your vintage EVERY. DAMN. TIME. Steer clear of dry cleaning bags and rubber bins to store your extra special pieces. If you really must keep things under wraps, try a muslin garment bag instead.
- NO WIRE HANGERS! These jokers do more harm than good. I'm talkin' shoulder nipples, rust, and-- if your piece is particularly delicate, big ass tears in the fabric. Try a padded hanger for plus care.
- Each piece is just like you, she's special and should be treated so. While most cottons and synthetics can handle hand washing, they should never go in the washing machine. It's too rough.
- As if this year has taught us nothing, WASH YA HANDS. Secret dirt and oils develop on your hands and, even if they don't leave a visible stain, can cause deterioration over time. Rapid aging never has and never will be cute.
- Avoid over washing. There's a reason why your favorite old t-shirt is so soft. That's because most of its fibers are gone. All thanks to regular trips through the spin cycle. Pure vodka (the cheap stuff) in a spray bottle is your best friend. A few spritzes and some fresh air helps to disinfect and freshen things up. This is a great alternative to the dry cleaner too. Although a great dry cleaner is a wet dream, there's some things you should be aware of. Dry cleaning chemicals are HARSH. They are horrible for the planet, the workers, and your clothes. Also, the machine they put them in to clean is not too different from a washing machine. Too rough for those particularly delicate pieces.
We want your vintage to last many lifetimes. Email us your care questions at info@chachalinda.com and we do our best to help you on your vintage journey.
XO CHA CHA LINDA