Do you find yourself fascinated by all things vintage or tend to get lost in the whims of nostalgia? If so, you’re not alone! Antiques aren’t just old trinkets — they’re timeless treasures gifted to us from the past. Whether it’s an heirloom painting or an old brass duck, these items have stories and hold priceless and sentimental value for many. Depending on how “vintage” your pieces are, cleaning and restoring them can require knowledge, precision, and care. One mistake can erase their historical significance and cause irreparable damage. Use these five tips to clean your antique collection safely. IDENTIFY WHAT THE ANTIQUE IS MADE OF. Despite what many say, soap and water aren’t always safe, especially for antiques. Water can cause warping in wood, damage certain fabric materials, and tarnish metal. With many antique pieces, the finish determines your cleaning method. A tip for wood is to test the finish with denatured alcohol. HANDLE IT DELICATELY. Before restoring your antique, it’s essential to consider whether handling it will potentially damage it. Wash your hands before touching items, and consider wearing gloves as an added precaution to prevent transferring oil from your hands to the collectible. AVOID HARMFUL CHEMICALS. No matter what your antique is made from, it’s always best to avoid products containing ammonia, bleach, and other harsh chemicals, as they can strip finishes, damage structural integrity, and cause discoloration. BE MINDFUL OF CLEANING TOOLS. Microfiber cloths, cotton swabs, and soft bristle brushes are fantastic tools for cleaning antiques. Having the right tools beforehand ensures the cleaning process is effective and prevents damage to the antique. STORE IT IN A SAFE PLACE. Depending on the type of antique you have, do a little research on the piece to understand how to store it properly. Keeping pieces out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources and moisture will always favor the antique. Plus, learning the fascinating stories behind vintage pieces is part of the charm of why you enjoy them so much! Handle With Care and Keep the Stories Alive Your Guide to Cleaning Vintage Treasures
Keep Your Baptismal Gown as Beautiful as the Day It Was Worn FROM FIRST BLESSING TO FAMILY HEIRLOOM
Baptismal gowns are more than just garments; they’re cherished symbols of a special moment in a child’s life and often become family heirlooms passed down through generations. These delicate fabrics carry sentimental value, and preserving them for years requires proper care, cleaning, and storage. Whether your gown is made of lace, satin, silk, or another
material, knowing the right techniques to protect it ensures this important family history remains pristine for future celebrations.
Most baptismal gowns are made of fabrics that are tricky to care for, like silk, which can get ruined by water. Always start by checking for care instructions and determining the garment’s material. Dry cleaning can be a safe option, but you can hand wash it cautiously if the gown is cotton or another easily washed fabric. Use warm water and wash it with a gentle detergent, rinsing it several times. You can roll the gown in a towel and gently squeeze the water out to avoid damaging it by wringing it dry. Air dry it entirely before safely storing it flat, hanging it in a garment bag or wrapped in acid-free paper in a clean box. At Janet Davis Cleaners, we know how special these family treasures are, and we’ve perfected the art of preserving them. We start by carefully inspecting the garment to ensure we use the ideal methods to clean and spot-treat it. The dress is steamed, pressed, and packed in an acid-free storage chest and tissue paper to protect it from damage. We can also replace buttons, lace, or other details necessary to make it almost brand new. Our customers know they can turn to us to care for these heirloom gowns. Mary brought her daughter’s baptismal gown to us to preserve 30 years ago, and when it came time for her granddaughter’s celebration, she knew who to call. “When we took the baptismal gown out of the preservation box, it looked exactly like it did when my daughter wore it...perfect! Of course, I returned to Janet Davis Cleaners to have them preserve this family heirloom again. The staff is top-notch and so incredibly sweet!” — Mary
Contact us today so we can preserve the special memories of your baptismal, christening, or communion gown for generations to come.
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