How to Wash Vintage Stockings and Nylons

Vintage Nylons

Properly caring for your vintage nylons and stockings will ensure their continued long life.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mild soap
• Lukewarm water
• Wash basin
• Plastic hanger or
• Plastic rod

1. Remove finger jewelry before you launder stockings, or a thread may snag in a ring and start a run.

2. Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water* (95-100 F.), 1/2 cup of borax or other commercial softener and 2 tablespoons of mild liquid soap or mild soap shavings.

3. Turn the stockings inside out, add them to the soapy water; immerging them one at a time. Wash like colors and type together.

4. Wash the nylons gently. Avoid rubbing and pulling. This will stretch the stockings out of shape.

5. Extract water by gently squeezing stockings from top down. Do not slide your hands up and down the stockings. Lightly squeeze them to remove excess water.

6. Rinse several times in lukewarm water removing traces of soap and extracting excess water after each rinse by gently squeezing.

7. Stretch the stockings gently into shape and hang, feet down, over a smooth rod to dry, away from heat and direct sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash vintage stockings/nylons immediately and as often as needed. This prevents dirt from settling.

• Store stockings/nylons in a cool dark place, covered with tissue.

• Don't use Bleach or bleach substitutes.

• Perspiration is an enemy to silk. Wash silk stockings as soon as possible after each wearing.

Resources

• sewcraftful.com