CARE GUIDE

At Vintage Recovery, we're all about helping you make the most of your cherished vintage wardrobe. Why? Because the longer you keep those timeless pieces in great shape, the less fashion waste ends up in landfills – it's a win-win!

Washing

  • Less is More: Repeated vigorous washing can harm the fabric, hike up your energy bills, and harm the environment. Did you know that a whopping ¼ of the carbon footprint from the garment industry comes from consumers washing and drying their clothes? But fret not, it's easy to avoid by washing your items less often.
  • Spot Clean: For those pesky stains and debris, try spot cleaning or gently brushing your vintage treasures.
  • Air Dry Magic: After a day out, consider turning your pieces inside out and letting them air out. A quick steam can also work wonders for removing odours. And remember, always air dry after washing.
  • Gentle Washing: If you must wash, opt for a gentle 30-degree cycle or even a light hand-wash. For pre-1960s vintage, hand-washing is the way to go. And if you're worried about delicate fabrics, sometimes skipping the wash is the best choice.
  • Specialty Care: Embroidered silks and satins deserve extra care. If you're thinking of dry cleaning, look for an eco-friendly dry cleaner you can trust to pamper your garments.

Maintaining

  • Repair, Repair, Repair: Small rips or big holes, don't let them get worse. Quick repairs can save your clothing. You can sew, crochet, use patches, and more. 
  • Zipper Love: For those classic metal zippers, a bit of TLC is in order. Lubricate them gently with graphite pencil, Vaseline, or zipper lube to keep them gliding smoothly.

Storing

  • Dry and Dust-Free: Store your vintage treasures in a dry, dust-free spot, away from direct sunlight. Humidity and dampness can harm delicate fibres, while sunlight can fade prints and colours.
  • Let Them Breathe: Keep your vintage pieces in a spot where they can breathe. Avoid plastic covers, as they can trap moisture.
  • Hanger Choices: Choose wooden hangers or cloth-covered padded ones to hang your vintage clothing. Metal hangers can leave unsightly rust stains or stretch marks on your beloved pieces.

Recycling 

  1. Rework or Upcycle: Get creative! Give your clothing a fresh look by cutting, cropping, reshaping, or adding some trendy distressing. The possibilities are endless!
  2. Swap It: Sharing is caring! Pass those preloved pieces to friends or family, or join a fun clothes swap event. It's a win-win – you get new gems, and your clothes find a new loving home.
  3. Sell It: Time for a mini shopping spree? Whether it's a local car-boot sale or popular platforms like Depop and eBay, there are plenty of avenues to find your garments a second home and make a little extra cash in the process.
  4. Donate: Spread the love! Consider donating your clothing to charity shops or recycling organizations. They can either find another life as a cherished wardrobe piece or be transformed into something entirely new.

For more information read our blog!