To wash silk garments, first separate any heavily dyed garments and soak them separately in cool salt water; rinse. Soak in cool water and cold-water soap for 15 minutes, and then hand wash. Rinse several times with clean water. Let the garment air-dry. Don't put it in the dryer as the heat may set wrinkles.
Sprinkle the garment with warm water, fold it, and then put it into a plastic bag. Set the bag in the fridge for an hour.Turn the garment wrong side out; iron. Spritz with water while ironing. A clean spray bottle is an essential ironing tool and is more effective on vintage fabric than using the iron's steam. If you iron silk on the right side, the iron may leave visible shine marks.
Sweaters
Washing fine or cashmere sweaters gives them new life. Repair any small holes and check the armpits for deodorant discoloration. Soak and wash the sweater in a cold-water soap solution as for silk. Rinse the sweater several times to remove the soap residue; don't rub.
Soak the sweater in a vinegar bath (see Cleansers). Squeeze, don't wring, the water from the sweater, or lay the sweater out on a screen over a sink and allow the water to drain out.
Another option is to wrap the wet sweater in a clean towel, place the towel on the floor and stand on it. Use your weight to press the water out of the sweater and into the towel; change towels if necessary. Lay the sweater flat on a dry towel to dry, blocking the sweater into the desired shape.
Gently press sweaters with a medium iron setting. Use a damp press cloth to avoid scorching. Run the iron lightly over the press cloth.The sweater will have a just-bought look.
Suits
Tailored suits of the '30s and '40s are often a delight in their cut and shape.
Inspect the suit for stains, tears and scorch marks. Look under the jacket collar to determine the original color and to assess the fabric wear. Tailored suits are traditionally built on layers of interlinings that are sewn inside the outer fabrics. Skirts are similarly structured with pleats, waistbands and hems encasing linen bias strips that add shape. This means the garments must be washed with care.
Remove any stains, and repair seams or torn areas. Check the armpits for stains and remove old dress shields.
Wash the suit by soaking it in a bathtub of lukewarm water and cold-water soap. Gently press down on the suit to expel dirt; drain the water and repeat until the rinse water runs clear. Remove excess water as for a sweater.
Lay the suit on clean towels; air-dry. Block the garment into its original shape. Once dry, take the suit to a dry cleaner and have it steam-pressed.
