Now that you’ve learned the difference between Thrift, Vintage & Consignment shopping, you’ve decided to put said knowledge to use. By shopping of course.
You’ve gleefully purchased an immaculately maintained vintage 1950s wool coat (with a contrasting fur collar) from a thrift shop. But now that you’re in the closed quarters of your home, it smells like “Leave it to Beaver.”
I recently experienced this fiasco as I was heading out for an evening of champagne and oysters. It was a Sat evening, so of course there was no way I could have the belle dry-cleaned (in all actuality, there are VERY few items that I will pay to have dry-cleaned.)
To avoid canceling my date (or smelling like an attic) I did what everyone should do the moment a vintage or thrifted item is purchased:
Steam it!
If you don’t own a steamer, you are doing yourself a HUGE disservice. Steaming is by far the most effective and safest way to clean and maintain fibers (aka your clothes.)
In addition to releasing wrinkles, steaming your garments does the following:
- Steaming kills 99% of common bacteria (which causes odor.)
- Zero chemicals are used which extends the lifespan of the fibers in your garment.
- You’ll never risk the chance of burning an item. I have had to toss more items than I’d like to admit because of awful temperature settings on an iron. Do be warned, use caution and pay close attention when using a steamer. Burning yourself is highly likely if you are not focused.
- Saves money! Steaming your garments regularly prevents you from making frequent dry-cleaning runs.
- Allergens. Washing alone does not kill common allergens, dust and dander but steaming does.
Do note, there is a correct way to steam, and of course, I’ll show you:
Et voila mes amies steaming is the quickest and most cost effective way to prep and sanitize a garment recently thrifted.
How do you clean vintage or thrifted items?
Ciao for now!