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How to Clean Vintage Beaded Satin

A vintage satin beaded gown is sure to get noticed at any formal affair. And after a wonderful night of eating, drinking and dancing, the dress will probably need a good cleaning to keep it in good condition and smelling fresh. Both satin material and anything beaded need special care, and the age of the garment only increases the need to treat the item delicately. Be wary of dry cleaning anything beaded at your neighborhood cleaners. The chemicals used to clean are often too harsh for the beads or delicate vintage material, especially satin. Hand wash the garment or vintage item with light, delicate movements to clean your garment gently and effectively.

Things You'll Need

  • Gentle detergent
  • White vinegar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the bathtub. Fill the bathtub with cold water and add the recommended amount of gentle detergent, such as Woolite or Deft. Mix the detergent into the water, swishing it around with your hand.

    • 2

      Add the item to the water. Slowly lower the satin beaded item into the cold water, laying it as flat as possible. Avoid positioning the item so that any of the beads rub together as the friction can weaken them and, in some cases, cause them to fall off.

    • 3

      Soak. Soak the garment for five minutes to allow the gentle detergent to permeate the stains and odors.

    • 4

      Clean the beading. Examine the beading for any dirt and wipe them with your fingertips to remove the dirt and grime.

    • 5

      Wash. Gently move the water above and around the item. Place your hands underneath the item and lift it slightly, then let it fall back to the bottom of the bathtub. Repeat these steps for a few minutes, then lift the garment away from the drain and let the water out of the bathtub.

    • 6

      Rinse. Refill the tub with cold water and add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the water. Move the water around the fabric a few times and let the water out. Fill the tub once more, move the water and gently lift the fabric, then let out the water and gently lift the item out of the bathtub.

    • 7

      Dry. Lay the satin item flat on a towel or a series of overlapping towels. Allow the item to dry completely before hanging. Avoid drying colored items in direct sunlight as it can bleach and fade the satin.