Everything you need to know about caring for your vintage collection

[retro ruth]

aka "A down and dirty guide to care and cleaning for the vintage seller"

Some years back, the wonderful Hollis Jenkins-Evans of Past Perfect Vintage, took the time to share her knowledge on how she cares for her amazing inventory. It began life as a forum workshop, and morphed into an article on the VFG website.

We've given this piece a make-over and made it easier to navigate. There's a wealth of useful information, and I certainly learnt a thing or two.

Take a look and tell us what you think. Did you learn anything new? Let us know in this thread.

Care and Cleaning for the Vintage Seller

• Part 1: Introduction and Two Golden Rules
• Part 2: Point of Purchase and Getting Home
• Part 3: Sorting and Cleaning
• Part 4: Repairs
• Part 5: Dyeing and Major Restoration
• Part 6: Documentation and Inventory
• Part 7: Storage

 

[denisebrain]

It's a great resource, and the way you've divided it up is very handy and searchable!

 

[pastperfect2]

Look at that!! Lovely!

 

[retro ruth]

Look at that!! Lovely!

Yes, well, it was worth special treatment Hollis! I learnt loads from it.

 

[Midge]

Yes, it is absolutely fabulous!

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

what a fantastic and thorough resource!! thanks, Hollis, and thanks, Ruth!!

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

Fabulous.

 

[bluevelvetvintage]

Excellent!

 

[Distantdetails]

I DO love this. It's a really nice contribution, and I will keep it in my "special" notebook!
Thanks, Hollis and Ruth!!!

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

 

[Lindsay Deal]

I'm curious about clear plastic storage containers for polyesters and other synthetics. Any thoughts?

 

[claireshaeffer]

I read the Documentation several weeks ago. I wish I had had this before I started collecting! Even so, I can make a few changes.

 

[Midge]

@Lindsay Deal The problem with a plastic is that it doesn't "breathe", meaning it's airtight, unlike a cardboard box. Whilst that may keep a lot of things out, this can also create problems for your the clothes stored in there as air can't circulate - and that as far as I know doesn't matter what material the clothing stored in there is made of.

 

[Blondzai]

So can I get some additional confirmations that Orvus is worth it? Is this what everyone uses?

 

[denisebrain]

So can I get some additional confirmations that Orvus is worth it? Is this what everyone uses?

There's some interesting info here: https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/orvus.html

 

[claireshaeffer]

The Orvis info Maggie posted is really great.

 

[MagsRags]

That is a good link! I use Orvus for handwashing. I have one of those big tubs, which I got at my local Coastal Farm & Auto store in the livestock care section. It will probably last me forever.

 

[Blondzai]

The Orvis info Maggie posted is really great.

so you also use orvus as your go to for vintage clothes?

 

[Blondzai]

There's some interesting info here: https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/orvus.html

Thanks! That is some very helpful info. So would you say this is your go to for washing vintage clothes as well?

 

[denisebrain]

Me? I haven't used it much, but Hollis (who recommends it in the article) knows her stuff!

My go to's depend on the item and the condition. There are so many variables. I have certain favorites, and I've worked to find out what's in each of them so I can decide which product or combination of products makes the most sense.