posted on October 15, 2001 06:34:14 AM
While cleaning out a attic of a very old house I came across a Vintage dress in a plastic bag.It flairs at the hip and at the cuff.(sort of the can can era)It has what I believe to be hand embroidery on it. I don't know anything about vintage clothing. Their is a couple of spots on the dress and I was wondering if I should hand wash this before I put it up for auction? I'm not good with identifying material either so I don't know what it is made of. I do know it isin't silkish it is more of a nylon. Their are no tags on the dress I believe it was all hand made.Any help would be appreciated.
posted on October 15, 2001 07:05:12 AM
When I have vintage clothing like yours to list I never clean it. So many things might go wrong. Describe the soiling and let the buyer worry about how to clean.
posted on October 15, 2001 07:41:59 AM
I'd advise against handwashing. Dry cleaning is a much safer bet.
Water can leave permanent marks depending on the type of fabric. Also, some fabrics will shrink even in cold water. I learned that the hard way with a vintage dress just this weekend -- the lining shrunk and pulled the outside fabric in strange directions. It's ruined.
If you really want to try handwashing it, spot clean only and don't dunk the whole thing.
[ edited by RainyBear on Oct 15, 2001 07:43 AM ]
posted on October 15, 2001 07:48:27 AM
Be forwarned!
My local cleaner (small town type) warned me that vintage items that have a old soils are not worth paying to try to remove.
__They just do not come clean__
(Unless they are bleachable and machine washable)
I personally would not sell anything with stains suggesting they *may* come out.
