July 1, 2008
How To Wash Dingey Vintage Dresses
Julie Wanda asks:
Sandra, I have a couple of sweet vintage sundresses and I want to wear one to the Hootenanny. One is cotton (gingham, not brushed cotton) and is a big dingey, the other is one of those rad see through polyester dresses that you have to wear a slip under (you know, they made guys shirts out of those too?). That one is white with red and blue polkadots. Perfect for the Hoot! But how to get them a little brighter? What do you recommend? I am wondering if I can use OxyClean, which is what my sis uses for tough stains on baby clothes.
When it comes to cleaning vintage, you really have to practice some patience. You want to start with your least aggressive detergent and then move up the ladder of cleaning products. Here's what I would do:
1. Both fabrics are ok to wash in the washing machine on delicate. Wash in cold-warm, not completely warm if your machine offers various temperature settings.
2. Start with just a delicate detergent: Ivory Snow or Woolite. It would be great if you can let them soak if your machine offers this feature. If not, soak first in your kitchen sink. You'd be amazed what a good soak will bring out!
3. Hang dry. If they still look dingey, wash again, after a drying, not
while they're still wet. On this second washing, use just a tad of OxyClean. This stuff can be strong and I use it as a last resort if gentle products don't work.
Good luck!
Posted by Sandra at July 1, 2008 12:00 AM
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Comments (3)
Hi, love your blog :)
I have a question, have you ever attempted to wash a cotton voile? I have a dress from the 40's made out of that material with a swiss-dot print on it. I am wondering if I should have it dry cleaned as I have heard washing cotton voile will cause shrinkage. Any thoughts on this? Thanks :)
Mary
Posted on May 26, 2010 11:04
Hi Mary,
Thanks for your kind compliment. I have washed cotton voile by merely soaking it for less than an hour without shrinkage. According to this fabric retailer, http://www.srfabrics.com/cottons/othercotton.htm, cotton voile can be washed. However, because it's vintage, use caution. When in doubt, dry clean!
Posted on May 26, 2010 11:14
Here's another link with washing instructions: http://www.nyfashioncenterfabrics.com/cotton-voile-fabric-info.html
Posted on May 26, 2010 11:16