In the first part, we have mentioned the importance of maintaining your antique doll collection the best way possible, by taking care of the doll’s vintage clothes. Now we continue with the other steps of this delicate procedure.
Once you made sure the fabric of the clothes can be washed and you pretreated the stains, it is time for the actual procedure to begin. Mix equal parts of cold distilled water and white vinegar, and soak the clothes in the solution for one hour. Remove them after that time and put them in a jar, filled with distilled water only. It will help removing the yellowing found on the old fabric and lift the soil.
Mix ivory snow flakes with cold water and soak the clothes for another hour. You will have to gently shake the jar from time to time. If you notice any fading, remove the clothes and rinse them instantly with clean water.
If the results aren’t as expected, you will need to use Snowy bleach mixed with cold water, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the garments to soak for another hour and rinse them with clean water after. According to cleaners Stonebridge, Snowy bleach is an enzyme brightener and it’s completely safe to use on delicate fabrics.
You will have to make another solution from white vinegar and water, in order to remove the residual detergent. Soak the clothes for several minutes and rinse after.
The last step of the cleaning of antique doll clothes involves ironing. Use a cool iron and work with the tip. Don’t apply extra pressure in the process, as that may damage the vintage clothes. For small items, cleaners Stonebridge recommend the use of a sleeve board and a small triangular shaped ironing tool, called a quilter. It will help you get into the tiny places.
Never use chlorine bleach or a spray starch on the clothes of your antique dolls, because that will damage them.