How to Clean Vintage Cotton White Gloves

Help your vintage white gloves look new again.

Because clothing fibers stretch, tear and absorb sweat due to regular wear, vintage fibers are especially prone to a delicate disposition. Therefore, it is important to clean them according to their individual conditions. Oftentimes, the pieces can be aired out in the sunshine to appear new again. However, if your gloves are discolored, washing them is the best solution. This is particularly true if they have starch, sugar or oil-based stains, as these types of stains are food sources for pests. Store your vintage gloves in an acid-free cardboard box to best preserve the color and integrity of the fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Sink
• Gentle detergent
• Vinegar
• Stain pretreater

Instructions

1. Place a towel on the bottom of your sink and pull up the stopper.

2. Fill the basin of the sink with lukewarm water. Water close to the temperature of your skin is best for delicate fabric. Pour in 2 tbsp. of a gentle powder detergent. If your gloves have a strong, musty odor, add a tablespoon of vinegar to the mixture. Allow the powder to dissolve completely.

3. Dissolve powdered stain pretreater in warm water and pour it into the mixture.

4. Immerse the gloves in the solution and allow them to soak for about 15 minutes. Do not agitate the pieces.

5. Lift the towel from the basin, taking the gloves along. Empty the soapy water from the basin and place the towel and gloves in a sink. Rinse the gloves thoroughly, ensuring that all soaps are washed away. To best rinse the gloves without damaging the delicate fabric, lift the towel close to the sink's faucet and allow the water to drip through the towel. This allows you to remove the residue from the fabric without needing to lift the water-heavy gloves in a damaging way.

6. Lay the towel and gloves flat to dry. Do not pick the gloves up or try them on until they are dry.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure of your fabric's origins, take your piece to a museum conservation specialist to advise you how to best care for the item.

References

• Old Fashioned Living: Cleaning Vintage Fabric; Brenda Hyde
• Vintage Vixen: To Wash or Not to Wash? Cleaning Vintage and Antique Garments
• Article Click: Cleaning Vintage Clothing