To wash or not to wash?

[Robin of Frocksley]

I am curious about people's feelings on laundering/cleaning vintage clothing before selling. I tend to clean every piece I get my hands on, except furs (which I would take to have cleaned, if I weren't such a cheapskate!), unless the item is "like new" or has the original paper tags. I'd like to know if/why people do (or do not) wash items before selling. Does it depend on the item? Do properly cleaned items sell for more than unwashed ones? Thanks for any and all thoughts on this, as I'd love a reason to not feel compelled to do so much laundry!

 

[gaildavid]

I personally would love to clean all the vintage that passes my threshold, unfortunately, I have ruined many lovely articles of clothing. I also do not have access to a professional cleaner whom I would trust with my vintage items. I research special cleaning tips, ect for different types of fabric and make a case-by-case decision about each item. I do not mind "experimenting" with some but others are just way out of my comfort zone!

I remember someone from this board MANY years ago stated, "It survived 50 (plus) years.....and then it met ME!" I think of that each time I am about to tackle an item out of my level of expertise.

Gail

 

[Dee Dee Hall]

I to have ruined some pieces washing them. I ruined a lovely very expensive ladies suit by washing. And that was washed gently. It now depends on the piece if I wash or not. If I do wash most is on the gentle cycle as some material because of it's age will tear up in the wash. Have a had a few that has happened with. What the care label say's. If there is none I do not wash. If the item has a store tag I do not wash. If the material is like really old. I would say 50' s or earlier I don't wash. If it is crisp and still like new I don't wash. At times and this depends on the item if I find a stain I will take a qtip and use some stain out to try and get a small stain out. I will dab it on there, work in a bit then wet a paper towel and dab. Sometimes that works, sometimes not. I realize people would prefer there garments or home bedding washed but at times it is just not practical without ruining the item or compromising the item. Always, always follow the care tag if you are going to wash. Not an expert but just my experience.

 

[Robin of Frocksley]

Thank you both for replying! I should have mentioned that I also never wash items that are very old or delicate, as well as anything with embroidery or embellishment. I am super lucky to have access to an excellent dry cleaner who understands vintage textiles, they have cleaned many things for me without incident. Still, maybe it isn't necessary for me to clean every item I can? I'd love to hear more thoughts from anyone on this. Thanks again!

 

[Dee Dee Hall]

I should have added I think with a lot of people they worry about smoke smell. It's hard because these items are vintage, you don't know their history and you risk ruining a item by washing it. Most things that I do not wash I have not had a problem with but a few I have and they complained of smoke. I offered them a refund if they sent back to me but they said no. And of course if something is really dirty or stained you would not ask as much for it I suppose. I do anyhow.