Policies

CARE FOR SECOND HAND CLOTHING

Tips and Tricks:

Pre-treat stains
Oxi to get stuff clean clean!
Separate laundry by colour
Know your dryer settings
To dry puffers, put on low heat, toss a couple clean tennis balls (brand new, pressurized work best) in the dryer with the piece to keep the jacket puffy!
Know when to use different water temperatures

Practice Preventative Care

Keep your classic pieces away from sunlight, because the rays damage the clothing fibers.

Wash your hands well before touching or wearing the garment, because you could transfer oils and stain the piece.

If stains appear and you want to do a spot treatment, don’t immediately apply stain remover to the garment. Test the product on a different, less valuable item first, or use it on the seam. That way, if it affects it, it's not visible.

Not everything should be tossed into the washing machine!

Vintage clothing is delicate and washing them incorrectly can do irreversible damage. Not all fabrics can be washed in the traditional sense, so determine what kind your vintage item is. Before washing the entire garment, you can spot clean it to get rid of minor stains. The following fabrics can usually be machine washed:

Cotton
Polyester
Nylon
Synthetics
Spandex

Rayon, satin and silk should be hand washed, and linen requires specific steps if you’re washing it at home. Leather, velvet, plastics, wool, vinyl and fur each have unique requirements, so let a professional dry cleaner treat them.

Use the right water temperature!

Selecting the right water temperature for each specific laundry load is the key to success. Cold water works well for delicate fabrics, items that might shrink, and sensitive dark colors that might bleed. Cold water also saves you money by reducing the cost of utilities. Warm water is appropriate for moderately soiled clothing and human-made fabrics. Hot water should be used for bedding and towels, cotton whites, and heavily stained work clothes, specifically those with oil or grease stains.

Do NOT go ham with the detergent!

One of the biggest laundry mistakes is using too much detergent. Overdosing detergent can create so many suds that they trap soil allowing it to redeposit on clothes. Try using one-half less than the recommended amount and see if you are pleased with the results. Your clothes will look better and you'll save money. If you have a washer that smells terrible, using less detergent may just solve your problem.

Hang to dry!

Vintage clothing should be hung right after you’ve worn it so that it can air out and continue to be odor-free. To protect the outer part of the clothing (for ex. Screen print or graphic tees), turn it inside out. Refrain from hanging your items on metal hangers, and instead use wooden ones to distance the material from rust and discoloration. If you’re worried about garments being stretched out, you can pad a hanger with cushioning to preserve their shape.

Keep safe in storage!

Storage for vintage clothing should keep harmful substances clear of the pieces and avoid extra stress from hanging or stretching. To preserve your items, keep them flat so that they can stay in the best shape possible. Try to store items separately too so that the delicate ones aren’t crushed underneath the weight of others. Frequently, older garments are stored in wooden boxes, but wood and cardboard contain acid that can stain your clothing. A preventative measure you can take to keep stains away is to layer the area with acid-free paper. Then, place the items in a dry and cool area.

Keep Your Vintage Items Pristine

To keep wearing your rare clothing items, you need to practice preventative care, correct washing and secure storage. Help your vintage pieces stay in excellent condition by shielding them from harsh elements. You’ll find that you can wear and appreciate your clothing for years with a few mindful precautions.