Question About Care of Vintage & Mod Barbie Outfits..To Wash or Not to Wash?

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Question About Care of Vintage & Mod Barbie Outfits..To Wash or Not to Wash?

Greetings! What a wonderful website! I am new to Barbie collecting and this site so great for educating and familiarizing myself with all the dolls and outfits.

My question is regarding the washing of vintage outfits. I have washed a few items that were in rough condition and it really freshens them up, I love it. I recently bought a 1969 Movie Groovie outfit, complete and in super condition including the little fashion booklet, hose and shoes except....it was obviously stored in a smoking household and I have aired it out to some extent but I am nervous to put it on any dolls.

So, any experts out there, please advise me whether to wash, or not to wash?

Thanks!

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Question About Care of Vintage & Mod Barbie Outfits..To Wash or Not to Wash?

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Care of Vintage & Mod Outfits
by: ShellyA

I am struggling with what is worse, the chemicals from the cigarettes on the doll clothes and if they will somehow eat the fabric over time or whether washing would ruin the stockings and satin skirt in some way. I think the outfit is some poly blend, no cotton.

Would the outfit be considered ruined at this point anyway by a serious collector because of the cigarette odors? I did wash items that were virtually valueless from the shape they were in and the dirt was definitely degrading them (Enchanted Evening gown and Red Flare coat). Thanks for clarifying the decision and for your information.
Depends on the fabric
by: Michelle of Oz

My take on this is that first and foremost we should "first, do no harm" to these vintage items. So I don't generally wash unless visibly grimy or obviously stained. Then I do wash, as excessive dirt can cause wearing of the fabric so you are ultimately doing it a favour. Some items come up a treat with a wash but others will be irretrievably damaged. eg my cotton Dancing Doll dress is like new now, but I would never wash the satin fabric of something like Midnight Blue - I'm not sure I'd even take it to the dry cleaner. Washing removes the sizing and will sometimes make the item feel limp. Some collectors will not purchase items that have been washed.

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