Cleaning Vintage and Antique items? Please help!

[NByers]

I am starting to accumulate a pile of Vintage gowns and Antique clothing that I really would like to try to have cleaned (they need it) I have taken items to your run of the mill dry cleaner before and have had vintage dresses come back ruined :-( I was wondering if anyone had any good tips on types of cleaners to look for or great at home remedies for such delicate items?? I will take any advice I can get! I live in Minneapolis, MN so also if anyone else is from here and knows specific places that would be a miracle! Please help!

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

As you can imagine, cleaning antique and vintage garments is a vast topic and one that is best dealt with according the fabric, age or delicacy and type of stain.

A good start is the Care and Cleaning workshop that Hollis from Past Perfect has posted to the forums.

If you don't find what you're looking for there, post a specific question here and we should be able to help - eg, photo of the garment and stain (if any), description of age, condition, fabric etc. The Fabric Resource will help you if you're sure on the fabric - here's a helpful page.