laundry tips for vintage and upcycled clothes
We put a lot of love and hard work into our upcycles.
These one-of-a-kind pieces require more specialized care than mass-produced clothing.
Every stitch, dye, and applique holds a story and is part of its charm.
But even the most well-crafted handmade items don’t stand a chance against the spin cycle.
We wrote this blog to help you care for your garment. That way, you can wear it for a long time.
Every upcycle is different, so we start off with some general tips.
After that, we break down care instructions for different types of garments.
There are a ton of resources online to figure out how to care for a very specific garment.
But most of the time, washing by hand in cold water with mild detergent and hanging dry is the safest approach.
Just use your own judgment. (Or just take it to the dry cleaner.)
How to Care for Your Upcycled Garment
First, check the label for care instructions.
Keep in mind that upcycles usually feature a combination of fabrics, each with its own unique care instructions.
So even if the label says one thing, that may not apply to appliqued, dyed, and distressed fabrics.
Here are some other do’s and don’ts when caring for your upcycled and handmade clothing:
Tips:
Check labels for washing instructions.
Hand wash and hang dry when possible.
Use gentle detergents without harsh chemicals.
Gently press out excess water after washing.
Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry to minimize stretching or distortion.
Steam wrinkles out (or carefully press with a cloth over the garment).
Avoid:
Throwing upcycles into the wash with your other clothes.
Avoid using hot water because it can make the colors run.
Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach.
Avoid wringing the garment after washing.
Don’t iron directly over jersey numbers, prints, or linings (they can melt).
When it comes to specific upcycled garments and handmade accessories, there are more detailed care instructions below.
Care Instructions for Delicate Handmade Clothing and Accessories
Check the Label: Always check the care label for specific instructions. Follow any guidelines provided by the maker.
Handwashing: Hand wash delicate handmade items in a sink or bucket using a mild, gentle detergent. Gently agitate the water to clean the garment without causing damage.
Drying: After washing, avoid wringing the garment. Instead, gently press out excess water. Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry. Avoid hanging to prevent stretching.
Steaming or Pressing: Use a fabric steamer or carefully press with a low-heat iron for wrinkles. Place a thin cloth between the iron and the garment to protect delicate fabrics.
Spot Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or sponge with a mild detergent for small stains. Gently dab the stained area without rubbing.
Storage: Store delicate handmade items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use padded hangers for items that need to hang, or fold them neatly to avoid stretching.
Care Instructions for Dyed Upcycles
Color Protection: Wash dyed upcycles separately to prevent bleeding colors. Use cold water and a color-preserving detergent to avoid fading.
Gentle Washing: Hand wash when possible to minimize friction that may cause color fading or running in the washing machine.
Air Dry: Lay dyed upcycles flat to air dry, avoiding direct sunlight. Hanging may cause the dye to drip. If you use the dryer, tumble dry on low heat separately.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of harsh detergents or bleach that may accelerate color fading.
Care Instructions for Upcycles with Appliques
Handwashing: Hand wash gently to protect delicate appliques. Turn the garment inside out to safeguard the decorative elements.
Avoid Aggressive Washing: Use cold water and a detergent gentle enough for the base fabric and the appliques. If using a washing machine, choose a delicate cycle and place it in a mesh bag to avoid distortion.
Spot Cleaning: Spot clean with a white cloth or sponge. Try dishwashing liquid first.
Air Dry: Lay the garment flat to dry to prevent stress on the appliques.
Steam or Iron: Steam wrinkles out gently, or use an iron with a cloth over the garment on low heat.
General Care Instructions for Vintage and Resale Clothing
Light Washing: Wash vintage clothing on delicate using a mild detergent in cool water. Opting for gentle handwashing can preserve the fabric's integrity.
Spot Cleaning: Spot clean stains using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid saturating the entire garment if it is unnecessary. Dawn or Oxi Clean can get out most stains.
Air Dry: Either tumble dry on low heat or lay vintage items flat to air dry. Hanging may cause distortion, especially in heavier fabrics and knits. But it's fine to hang dry most hoodies, jackets, shirts, and pants.
Steam or Carefully Iron: I always prefer to steam a garment because it is gentle and easy on the fabric. If you want to iron an upcycle or vintage garment, use a cloth or towel between the iron and the fabric to avoid ruining delicate parts.
Storage: Store vintage items in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Consider using garment bags to protect against dust.
Handle With Care
The most important thing to consider when washing a handmade or upcycled garment is that it was made for you with love.
And part of joining the circular fashion movement is extending the lifecycle of garments.
So, the more you care for your clothes, the better off we will all be.
Add your laundry tips in the comments.
