Question about cleaning vintage items

C

collector2015

Registered Guest
I just started collecting vintage clothing. I am wondering what advice you have for dealing with possible bedbugs (and other insects). I've heard these are getting more common, and to take precautions when buying used items. The most common method I've seen is to run it through the dryer for over an hour. However, I am seeing warnings about damage to items, especially older items (I have several items from the 40s and earlier). My concern is because these items are intended to be worn, and not just to store/sell.

Do you have any suggestions for how to bedbug-proof older vintage items? I'm assuming bedbugs from the 40s won't survive to today, but some might have gotten in during storage?

Another question (might be silly, sorry, I'm new to this) - is there any concern about any germs that might have been on the items from back in the day, and if so, what could be done about it?

Thank you so much.

Sam
 
I'm not so sure about bedbugs but a good method for killing wool moths and other wool eating insects is to throw the item in your freezer in plastic bag for a couple of days. The cold will kill almost anything.
 
Hi Sam, and welcome to the forums.

Bedbugs! I haven't heard that one before. Here in Australia, the three insects to watch out for are clothes moths, silverfish and carpet beetles. You may have different things to worry about where you are, but my understanding of bedbugs is that they feed off human blood - which is why they like to hang around in beds where sooner or later a human will come and lie still so they can have their meal. Even if there was blood on a vintage items it's likely to be very old and dry and not tasty to bedbugs.

However the other two are a different matter and I always encourage everyone to wash their newly acquired vintage items, to remove any likelihood of any eggs or larvae being attached.

Joji is right: one way to kill them is to freeze your garment for a week or more. Then thaw and refreeze. Another is to put the garment into a black plastic bag and leave in the sun for a while: the heat will supposedly kill them whilst not fading vintage dyes (hence why black bags are better than other colours, they attract more heat and offer more protection). You can also dry clean, as this sucks the moisture of the textile, or you can launder and then dry outside where fresh air and sun work wonders.

Here's my blog post on clothes moths and how to get rid of them.

Regarding the clothes dryer idea: that's a new one to me too but I couldn't recommend it. Better to clean your vintage fashion. I guess the idea is to kill the eggs with heat (similar to dry cleaning) but you're not actually cleaning the garment so it's better to do that I think.

Re: ancient germs. See above about cleaning and airing. Also, cloth isn't a great transmitter of bacteria as they die quickly in a dry environment.
 
Here where I am in Virginia, we have had a resurgence of Bedbugs......shocking as it is! Most thrift and charity shops are now required to spray upholstered and some textile items with spray purchased from the state. The antique mall where I rent spaces had a visit from the State about a year and a half ago making us aware of large fines that we would be responsible for if items were not properly sprayed and tagged with tags the State also provides. I would have no idea of how to get rid of them in clothing that I have for sale at home.....haven't had any problems with those dreaded bugs. But, as Nicole has state about her problems in Australia with moths and silverfish, those are my number one problem and I think her suggestions in dealing with those pests are very good. It's a constant struggle for us in the South....moths love that wool that is so prevalent in so many vintage fashions.
 
I've been tearing through the racks for a few years now and have never (fingers-crossed) come across bed bugs. However, I have found that a spray bottle of distilled white vinegar does wonders for not only removing stains, but for also removing smells. It works well on wool. Be careful not to use it on wool that can leave water marks. I like it mostly on tweeds, worsted, etc... Also, a great way for removing stains (which greatly increases value) is Carbona. They have many different varieties that are tailor made to the individual stain (I completely removed a large red wine stain from a 1950s Pendleton beige wool coat!). Also, you may find cigarette smells on vintage clothes. If it's not a highly desirable item, my suggestion is to pass. However, if you love it and think someone else will love it too, then the ONLY thing I've found that can get out cigarette smoke is hanging the item outside in the shade under a cover but open to a breeze. Good luck!
 
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