Vintage clothing has many advantages and is wonderful to wear. But if you've ever bought vintage, you probably recognize it: that typical musty smell that sometimes clings to a garment. This phenomenon even has a name: permastink . In this blog post, we'll explain what permastink is, how it develops, and most importantly, how to remove it. This way, you can enjoy your vintage finds even more!
What is permastink and how does it form?
Permastink is the term used to describe persistent odors in vintage clothing. These smells often arise from years of exposure to smoke, perfume, and moisture, combined with poor ventilation. Because vintage clothing is usually made of natural fibers like wool and cotton, these materials tend to retain odors. Think, for example, of a beautiful wool coat that has hung in a musty closet for years – the smell penetrates deeply.
At Flamingo Vintage, we understand how important it is to keep your vintage clothing smelling fresh. That's why our items are always carefully cleaned before they appear in our webshop. But if you've found a unique piece yourself, you might need some help removing unpleasant odors. Below, we share our top tips!
How to properly wash vintage clothes
Many vintage items are made of delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or viscose. Regular washing is often not suitable for these materials. Therefore, always follow the washing instructions – if they still exist – and when in doubt, use a wool cycle or wash by hand.
Tips for wool and delicate fabrics:
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- Use a mild wool detergent and cold water to prevent shrinkage or damage.
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- Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring!) and dry the garment lying flat on a clean towel. This will prevent it from losing its shape.
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- Avoid the dryer – it's deadly for vintage clothing!
Do you have a vintage dress or blouse made of sturdy cotton or polyester? Then you can often wash it in the washing machine on a regular cycle. Add a dash of natural vinegar to the wash cycle to further neutralize odors.
How do you get odors out of clothes without washing?
Vintage coats and jackets pose a challenge because they're usually not washable. Fortunately, there are other ways to get them fresh again:
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- Airing: Hang the jacket outside on a dry day. Fresh air works wonders! Make sure the jacket is out of direct sunlight to prevent discoloration.
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- Steam: Use a clothes steamer to remove unpleasant odors and freshen the fabric. No steamer? Hang the jacket in the bathroom during a hot shower; the steam will help a lot.
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- Professional cleaning: For stubborn odors, you can hire a dry cleaner. Choose a cleaner experienced in vintage clothing.
At Flamingo Vintage, we ensure that all coats and jackets you buy from us are fresh and clean. We air, dry-clean, and treat our items carefully, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
Remove odors from clothes with alcohol
Do you have a vintage item that can't be washed and for which airing and steaming aren't enough? Try these additional tips:
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- Baking soda and scented containers: Place the garment in a sealed bag or container with some baking soda or a scented sachet. Let this sit for a few days to neutralize odors.
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- Alcohol spray: You might have seen vodka used to remove odors from clothing, but did you know it's mainly about the alcohol? Vodka contains a fairly high percentage, around 40%, but it's a waste and more expensive than pure alcohol. My tip: buy a bottle of pure cleaning alcohol, fill a spray bottle with a mixture of alcohol and water (1:2 ratio), and lightly spray the garment. Let it air dry. The alcohol disinfects and evaporates quickly, taking odors with it.
A fresh start with Flamingo Vintage
At Flamingo Vintage, we believe vintage clothing deserves a second life. That's why we pay extra attention to the quality and freshness of our items. Every garment you buy from us is inspected and properly refreshed. This way, you can be sure you're buying not only a unique item but also one that smells clean and fresh.
Check out the collection now and discover all the "beautiful" items! ;)