Caring for Vintage Textiles Part II
05.05.06By Lorraine NewberryToday I’ll continue discussing the care of items made from vintage fabrics, focusing on ironing and storage.
Ironing
Since most vintage tablecloths and other linens are not made from the wrinkle resistant fabrics we’re accustomed to today, they will need to be ironed. Make sure your iron is perfectly clean to avoid getting dirt on an item you’ve spent time carefully washing. Iron when the fabric is still slightly damp or sprinkle or spray water onto the item. Do not put starch on fabrics that you’ll be storing, since starch can cause the fabric to yellow.
Storing
Many people store their vintage linens, christening gowns or newer fabrics they want to preserve in a plastic bag or box thinking the plastic will protect their prized fabrics. Unfortunately, the plastic traps moisture that leads to mildew. Also, plastic gives off a gas that can cause stains on fabric. The best option is to wrap the item in acid-free tissue paper and place it in an acid-free cardboard box that is intended for storage. Normal paper and cardboard contain acids that can damage the fabrics over time, so be certain the storage materials are acid-free. These can be obtained online or at a crafts store. If you want to store them in a cedar chest, be sure to wrap them in acid free paper first to keep the fabric from contacting the wood, which also contains acids that can degrade the fabric over time.
Vintage fabrics shouldn’t be folded when they’re put into storage. The fabric will wear and weaken and tend to yellow along the creases. If items are small enough they should be stored flat, otherwise they should be rolled. Cover a cardboard tube in acid free paper and roll up the textile. If an item must be folded, place acid free paper along the folds, and refold the item along different fold lines at least two times per year.
