How To Clean Absolutely Filthy Vintage Clothing
Watch decades of neglect, rat feces, and insect infestations run down the drain.
The vintage fanatics of the world are brought into the fold for a variety of reasons — the high of the hunt, consuming clothing in a environmentally mindful way, connecting with history, or getting quality pieces for an affordable price.
I find myself at the intersection of all of these reasons, but one of my biggest thrills comes from the act of saving something that really, truly, without a doubt, is considered unsalvageable trash by the general public. Bring me the rat infested, insect riddled, utterly neglected 50+ year old garments, and I will find a way to get them on a loving body once again.
This is a guide for my fellow freaks who are looking to raise these objects from the grave.
Our specimen for this demonstration is a woman’s wardrobe from the 1940s-1960s that I was able to rescue from a 1920s craftsman that had sat vacant since 2004. We’ll be eradicating the remnants of a rat infestation, an active silverfish colony, and all the dust and grime that comes from a wardrobe stowed away for 65+ years.
Below the paywall I’ll show you my tried and true method that is safe for you, as safe (as possible) on the vintage, and safe on the planet. Now let’s show this filth whose boss!
The Vintage Lover’s Handbook is a monthly series dedicated to providing you with a professional arsenal of techniques to care for your beloved vintage treasures. With a decade of experience buying and selling vintage, I’ve made the mistakes for you and discovered what actually works.
Previously on The Vintage Lover’s Handbook…
