How to Wash and Care for Vintage Clothing: The Complete Guide

Vintage clothing tells stories, of eras, craftsmanship, and timeless design. But to keep these pieces alive for decades more, how you clean and care for them is crucial. Many vintage garments have already survived 20, 30, or even more than 40 years. The goal now is preservation, not perfection.

1. Wash as Little as Possible

The golden rule: the less you wash, the longer your vintage piece will last.
Even sturdy materials weaken with repeated machine cycles. Synthetic fabrics disintegrate over time, and delicate fibers like silk or lace can stretch or tear.

Whenever possible, spot-clean only using a mild, non-toxic soap and cold water. Avoid bleach, whitening agents, or anything that lists “corrosive” ingredients.

2. When Machine Washing Is Unavoidable

If a garment must be machine washed:

• Turn it inside out to protect.
• Use cold water and a short, delicate cycle.
• Skip the spin or set it to the lowest possible speed.
• Never overload the machine, give the fabric room to breathe.

Even robust materials from the ’80s or ’90s benefit from this gentler treatment.

3. Air Dry and Avoid Heat

Tumble dryers are the enemy of vintage. Always air dry flat or on a hanger away from direct sunlight. Heat weakens fibers and can cause shrinkage, fading, or permanent distortion, especially in synthetics and mixed blends.

4. Fabric by Fabric: A Quick Overview

• Cotton → Usually safe to hand-wash or cold machine wash.
• Silk → Hand wash gently with neutral soap or professional dry cleaning.
• Wool → Cold hand wash, avoid wringing; reshape while damp.
• Polyester / Nylon / Acrylic → Cold water only; avoid spin cycles and heat.
• Velvet, Lace, or Mesh → Always hand wash or dry clean; never twist or stretch.

5. Long-Term Storage Tips

• Store garments in breathable cotton bags (avoid plastic).
• Keep them away from direct light, humidity, and perfume.
• Hang heavier pieces on padded hangers to prevent stretching.
• Fold delicate tops or knits instead of hanging.
• Always let garments “breathe” before storing again after wear.

6. Why Care Matters

Every piece that has survived the last 20 years deserves gentle treatment to continue existing. Unlike most modern fast fashion, vintage clothing was made with thicker, higher-quality textiles, often less synthetic and far more durable. Treating them kindly ensures they’ll continue to outlast trends and generations.

Shop Wanda Core’s Vintage Edit

Discover authentic vintage pieces that have stood the test of time, from delicate Y2K mesh tops to delicate midi skirt and timeless party dresses. Each garment in our collection is hand-selected, one-of-a-kind, and cared for with the same philosophy we’ve shared here: preserve, respect, and rewear.