12 Tips for Caring for Vintage Baby Clothing

Author: Patricia Hayes

  1. -To remove stains from vintage baby clothing, soak the article in a bowl of warm water, to which a scoopful of oxyclean has been added, let it soak until you see results - up to one hour or more, and repeat if necessary.
  2. - For more stubbern stains, make a paste of the oxyclean with warm water, gently scrub the paste into the stain using a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed, until the stain is removed.
  3. - Take extra care with delicate fabrics such as silk and organdy.
  4. - In the past, lemon juice was used a bleaching agent, by applying lemon juce onto the stain and then leaving the article to bleach in the sun. This method is more suitable for whites, as vintage colors are likely to fade.
  5. - Above all, avoid using chlorine bleach on vintage/antique baby clothes as it will damage vintage fabrics irreparably. Oxygen based cleaners are safer for most vintage fabrics.
  6. - For regular care, hand wash in a mild soap if the stains are minimal. Dark colors should be washed separately.
  7. - Add salt to the water when wshing colored fabrics to help reduce color bleeding of non color-fast dyes.
  8. - Woolen items can be gently hand washed in cold water using gentle soap or Woolite.
  9. - Dry items naturally, flat or line-dry, out of direct sunlight.
  10. - Musty odors can be removed by placing the article in a plastic bag and leaving it in the freezer for several days. This method also works for old soft toys - leave those vintage soft toys in the freezer for a couple of weeks for the best result.
  11. - For storage of antique baby clothing, use acid free tissue paper.
  12. - Store items in an insect free environment - use cedar blocks to keep the moths at bay. Never use old fashioned mothballs because of the health hazards.
 
 
Taking extra care with vintage baby clothing is worthwhile - when baby has outgrown them they can be handed down with love, for future generations of little ones. (Note: Dry cleaning is not recommended for baby or children's clothing - vintage or modern - because of the chemicals involved in most dry cleaning processes.)