Washing Couture with Lindsey

We love our vintage couture clothing,

but don’t love the stains and smells they come
with or present us with throughout wearing.

Dry Cleaning is not the way to care for them,

as the chemicals set in stains and odors

—creating more aging and yellowing over time.

This is my favorite Chanel jacket, a cotton blend with a silk lining.

You’ll want to read the fabric content to know which product to use.

The highest content will determine the product you need.

For example, a garment with 70% cotton, 20% polyester,
and 10% silk would need to be washed with

The Laundress Delicate Wash.

Always pre-treat stains. Focus on the underarms, collar,
and cuffs using The Laundress Stain Solution.
For stubborn stains, try mixing The Laundress Bleach
Alternative with the Stain Solution to create a paste.
Mix the paste and brush directly onto the stain.
We love our Stain Brush, it makes getting stains
(especially aged stains) out much easier.
Then we recommend pre-soaking for 30 minutes
in cold water before placing into the washing machine.
Place in The Laundress Mesh Washing Bag
before placing in the washing machine.
Be sure the garment is inside out before placing in mesh bag.
We use The Laundress Delicate Wash
which is safe for all delicate fabrics except wool and cashmere.
Always use a delicate, cold short cycle.
Remove from the washing machine and hang to dry.
Once dry, spray the lining with The Laundress Stiffen Up,
steam, and let dry for ten minutes. Voilà! – Ready to wear.



Washing couture wool blends is just as simple....

When washing a wool blend garment, follow the same simple steps.

Always use The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo

and pre-treat stains with The Laundress Stain Solution.

Turn the garment inside out to treat the lining…
and the waist band.
Keep the garment inside out and place
in one of The Laundress Mesh Washing Bags.
Place on the wool cycle of your washing machine,
always a cold wash and low spin.
Each machine is different so always look
for a delicate setting and always cold water.
After removing from the washing machine, hang to dry.
Once dry, spray the lining with The Laundress Stiffen Up,
steam, and let dry for ten minutes. Voilà! – Ready to wear.