How to Wash Vintage Lingerie

Properly caring for silk, rayon and nylon vintage lingerie helps ensure long life wearability and years of enjoyment to your collection for your most valuable pieces.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lukewarm water
• A washing basin
• Mild soap
• Borax or commercial softeners
• Thick White cotton towels
• Tissue
• Plastic hangers
• A flat surface

1. If you happen to have original care instructions, follow those instructions carefully.
   1. Remove any buckles any buckles, buttons, sleeve pads, trimmings or ornaments that might cause stains,

2. 2. Wash each garment separately that is not fast-colored, that is new or that's dyed with more than one color.

3. 3. Use lukewarm water* (95-100 F.), softened (Borax or other commercial softeners do the trick) if necessary.

4. 4. Make suds with mild soap.

5. 5. Squeeze garments gently under water until they are clean. Rayon fibers weaken when wet and must be handled gently. Never rub silks or rayons when you wash them.

6. 6. Squeeze out suds, do not twist or wring.

7. 7. Rinse at least three times in lukewarm water 95 F.), softened if necessary and squeeze out water after each rinsing.

Tips & Warnings

• Washing by hand is customary.
• Wrap your vintage lingerie/nylons and other small delicates in tissue paper.
• Stuff bullet bras with tissue paper to reserve their natural shape.
• NEVER use bleach.
• Never wring. Lay clean thick white towelling on a flat surface and place the items atop. Excess moisture will seep out naturally.
• NEVER place lingerie and nylons in the dryer. Let them air dry.
• Never use metal hangers!
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Never use plastic for storage.

Resources

• Washing Vintage Lingerie

[sewcraftful]

on 4/16/2009 cherryjuicebox--I'm so glad you enjoyed the article and you'll be able to put it to good use.