Check the Tags

Of course, looking at the label or tag on the clothing is the easiest way to decide how to remove the stain; however, most vintage clothes and textiles will not have such labels.

This is due mainly to the fact that tags are annoying, and most people cut them out of their clothes, not bothering to wonder if, decades later, someone will wonder how to remove a stain from it.

Even if there is a tag, it might not be readable due to the item being washed many times over the many years it has been around.

If this is the case, you will need to do some extra work (see below). If there is a tag and you can read it, do so. Look for the fabric type, i.e. cotton, silk, polyester. Look also for the washing and drying instructions.


Stain Removal Tips

If your item can be washed in the washing machine, you should try this first. To do this, turn the garment inside out first.

Remove all the attachments from the garment, including buttons and other removable items.

Use cold water and the delicate cycle, and add a gentle laundry detergent - good options include baby laundry detergent and chemical-free brands, such as Seventh Generation.

If the garment looks slightly fragile, you may want to consider removing it before the agitation occurs or before it goes into the spin cycle as this could damage the piece.

If you are too afraid to put your item in the washing machine lest it fall apart, consider some other techniques.

It is also best to test an inconspicuous area of the garment before treating the stain. Many bright colors are not color-fast, which means they will run.

Dip a Q-tip into water or stain remover, and apply it to a seam or inside a hem.


Handwashing Tips

In many cases, hand-washing a vintage item is actually the best, as this puts less pressure on the article of clothing; however, if you intend to hand-wash an item, do it in a bathtub or large sink.

It is important not to crowd the garment. You should also avoid wringing out the excess water as this can damage the fibers in the garment. The proper way to dry a hand washed item is to place it on a clean, dry towel and roll the towel up gently.
 

Types of Stain Removers

It is important to have a quality stain remover for cleaning vintage clothing and textile items; however, there are many kinds available on the market.

Pay attention to the types of stains that are present on the clothing, and do some research on basic stain removing techniques to ensure you know exactly what you are dealing with.