Washing vintage dresses etc(1940's-1950's)

[LoveVintage1940's]

I have quite a few dresses that are from the 1940's-1950's that I am scared to wash. Any advice? I do have front loader washer that has a gentle "delicate" cycle option, would that be okay ? Thanks!

 

[pastperfect2]

I wouldn't use a washer, or a dryer either one. If they are cotton or linen, you may be able to hand wash in a mild soap and lay flat to dry. If they are silk or wool I couldn't say without seeing them. It all depends on the dye and structure and trimmings. But odds are you will need a really good dry-cleaner. If it's rayon or silk crepe, it will shrink terribly, so dry-cleaning is your only choice.
If they aren't spotted or visibly dirty, but need a freshening up, I suggest hanging them out side on a nice day to air, then steaming.

 

[LoveVintage1940's]

Okay thank you, none of them are very dirty so I will give the last method a try. Is hand washing an option?

 

[pastperfect2]

Depends on the fiber, the trimmings and the construction. I couldn't swear to it with out handling them.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Hollis is right - it depends on the fabric and trims.

I hand wash almost everything and wouldn't dream of putting anything pre'60s in the washing machine even with a good gentle cycle, although I will do that for '60s and more modern clothes if I can and it's winter and the clothes won't dry on the line (as it is now in Australia, curse).

Basically velvets, taffetas, satins, crepes, heavily beaded or embellished, lined or tailored garments, leathers, furs and suedes all need dry cleaning (with some small exceptions). You can read my blog post about dry cleaning with suggestions here.

Everything else I hand wash - I really should write a blog post about this too but in the meantime, here's the quick version:

• Do any repairs needed first: it will come out in worse condition if there's any damage. You might like to remove trims and buttons too if they're delicate.
• Inspect for stains, if so treat in an oxygen bleach soaker if you can (not wools or silks or dry clean fabrics, see above).
• Hand wash gently in cold or luke warm water and detergent - I use mild, plant based eco friendly products or Lux soap flakes. Eucalyptus detergents are good at getting make up out but will deteriorate elastic so avoid in these cases. Prints and red fabrics get the cold water as they may run.
• I wash every item separately in case it runs, then I rinse thoroughly in cold water.
• Gently squeeze out the water.
• Strong items can go straight on the line - I hang initially by the waist - but delicates, older items and beaded (ie, heavy) items go onto a towel in the shade in my garden. When they're almost dry I put them on the line for a burst of fresh air.
• Don't dry in direct sun: so I recommend either early in the morning or later in the afternoon or dry undercover or in the shade. The sun is the enemy of older dyes.

Also: I recommend cleaning your vintage as infrequently as possible because it's where most damage occurs. I've had dresses for decades and never cleaned them. As Hollis says, another option is to freshen them by hanging outside, or in the bathroom when you have a shower: the steam works wonders.

 

[LoveVintage1940's]

That was very helpful thank you!