How to Clean Vintage Lingerie: Wash and Care Tips

Vintage lingerie addicts know that authentic undergarment finds come generally used or as deadstock items. Some even come well-worn. While many of these items are made of linen, silk, satin, and such delicate fabrics, how to clean them is always an issue, especially if you do not know how to go about it.

If you are a collector that simply finds pleasure in amassing vintage underwear, you will need to know how to care for and store them. You will need to know how to avoid damaging them as they are delicate and aged undergarments. Fabrics over half a century old need the ideal cleaning care to preserve them for a bit longer.

If, for instance, you find:

• Your great-great grandmother’s private peignoir sets.
• Some old Vanity Fair nylon slips.
• A bullet bra at an online vintage store.
• Deadstock (unused) knickers from a local thrift shop
• Bridal garters from the 50s,

... You will want to know how to keep them clean without damaging their delicate material.

Common Damages of Vintage Lingerie

Because old lingerie has been stored away for decades, many of them may have become soiled due to dust accumulation or trapped dirt within the garment folds. Also, the prolonged exposure to heat, light, dampness, and dust may have caused almost irrevocable damages. If cleaning is not done carefully and methodically, you’ll find that some of them may tear while being cleaned.

How to Clean Antique and Vintage Undergarments. What You Need

Caution must be applied when you clean vintage lingerie. It is a painstaking task to clean items like silk panties or satin brassieres, but it can be done. Before you begin, ensure you have a wide flat surface (counter or tabletop). This is important. Laying out on a flat surface makes it easier to clean carefully.

To clean, you will require the following:

1. A couple of soft sponges.
2. 2 large towels.
3. 1 soft hand towel.
4. Mild detergent or soap flakes.
5. Mild softener.
6. White vinegar (distilled).

The cleaning steps are as follows:

1. On the flat table or counter, lay out a large towel.
2. Moisten the soft hand towel and rub it gently over the surface of the lingerie.
3. Mix water, mild detergent and softener in one of the bowls – ratio 1/8 detergent to softener to 3 cups of clean water.
4. Dip a soft sponge in the soapy solution, lightly squeeze out excess solution and gently rub the sponge on areas/spots you aim to clean.
5. Go with the grain of the material while applying the gentle rub. For tiny spot stains, use cotton swabs instead of a sponge.
6. Dip the 2nd sponge in a bowl of clean water, squeeze lightly, and gently blot the soapy residue from the vintage lingerie. Do not rub.
7. Prepare a mix of water and the white vinegar - 4 tablespoons vinegar to 2 cups of water.
8. Dip the clean towel in this mix and use it to gently dab the lingerie. This will balance the alkalinity of the soap. It will help to preserve the underwear.

The drying steps are as follows:

1. To dry the lingerie, lay a large dry towel on the table and place the undergarment on it. Fold the towel over it and press on it very gently and then leave to air dry. Do not wring wet vintage materials!
2. Iron them gently on a low iron setting to remove all wrinkles. Do not use steam.

Professional Cleaning and Restoration

If your vintage underwear is a cherished family heirloom, you may not want to clean it yourself. If you fear that you may cause some damage, you can always have them cleaned professionally. And, if there are minor damages, for a small fee, a vintage restoration expert can repair and restore.

Further reading:

Interesting History of Women's Underwear: When Undergarments Became an Item
Curvy Girls' Guide to Best Lingerie Picks (Infographics)

Intimate Wear Of the 19th Century Woman