Love the vintage wardrobe - don't love the vintage pong!

If you keep clothes for a few years or you buy vintage clothes and accessories you'll have found that smells can develop.

 

Old and vintage clothes & accessories can develop a smell due a number or reasons and here's how to prevent them and how to deal with them if they do arise.

A smell can be present, but not neccesarily because something is dirty or has been badly stored (but, neither helps). All clothes and accessories can develop a smell over time, it can be from the materials it is made from, the item it's stored in, the air, or old perfume, cosmetic and washing powder traces, especially if an item is stored in a box, suitcase or other closed in space.

Firstly, always wash, clean and air items before storing them, this will remove any existing smells which may grow over time.

Store items in appropriate covers, pure cotton or linen or acid free tissue paper is best, old washed cotton sheets and pillow cases are great for storing clothes and accessories.

Store clothes and accessories in a wardrobe, with pleanty of room.

Get items out of storage regulally and air them in the fresh air (on a dry day) for a few hours, take them in before evening to avoid damp.

Don't store items in plastic as this can give off an odour and if items are sealed into plastic any humidity can start to mould.

Don't use moth balls or chemical insecticides - these really smell and they can stain fabric too - use a couple of lavendar bags to help keep moths and smells away.

 

If you find that a piece of clothing or an accessory has developed a smell try to air it out, this may take a few days, just hang it up outside if it's dry (bringing it inside in the evening to avoid damp) or inside on the back of a door in a warm room. Give the item a gentle shake every few hours and if the smell has not diminished after several days and the item can be washed (according to it's label) then wash it and if not then you will need to speak to a professional dry cleaner.

If a vintage hat or vintage bag has a smell that persists try putting a small bowl full of baking powder inside and leaving it for a few days - this should absorb the smell.

 

I hope this helps

Sarah x

How To Sell Your Vintage Stuff For Free

We often get asked if we buy things from the public?  Yes, we do, but, not at the moment as we have loads and loads of stuff to put on our website - over 20,000 items - (yes really).
Anyway, I hate leaving people hanging, so here is what I suggest you do if you want to sell and you are fairly sure that you nothing massively valuable or collectable, but, vintage (over 20 years old) and perfectly saleable :

You could put them on ebay, there a lots of guides on the web on how to ebay and it will cost you money.
Alternatively, just follow the process that we would ask you to follow if we were interested in buying - it is really this simple.

1. Get your vintage stuff togeather - group like sized and similar objects and depending on how much you have, take a a pic or two with a digital camera or phone. Try to take a pic when the light is good and try to make your items as visable as possible - dark items on a light background and visa-versa.

2.  Make a list of your items. If there are loads then put down the amounts of types of items, such as 10 vintage necklaces, etc. If any of the items have significant flaws or damage make a note, as not doing so is dishonest and you could well lose a good deal.

3. Do a little research, using the internet, look up brand names on items, as this will tell you what you have and could even give an idea of value or desirability. You can also search for items and check out collectors sites and forums for more information and don't forget to check ebay to see if any thing similar is selling and at what price. Do be realistic though, just because someone has listed an item for a price, does not neccesarily mean it will sell for that or that a dealer will pay that - they have to earn a living too.

4. Go on the internet and do a Google search for Vintage Shops, and Vintage Dealers, try to get local ones from the Google places listing, as you can drop off the items or they could collect.  Get their contact details (email is quickest) and send them your list and photo and wait to see if you get any offers. You should aim to email at least 10 or more dealers to increase your chances of getting a good offer, if several come back with offers, see if any will better the best offer*.

*A cautionary note: if you find that one or more dealers seem very keen to buy (they keep increasing their offer), it may be that you have something that has a little more value or collectability than you thought and in which case you should also send the email to reputable auctioneers or other experts and ask them what it is likely to fetch at auction or for an idea of value. Be careful of selling at auctions as they will charge fees and VAT.

5. Once you have a deal you are happy with, check how the dealer wants to get the items from you, I usually ask for items to be sent through the post, well wrapped, by a recorded service (which we pay for). We usually recommend payment by Paypal as this offers protection to both parties. If you are going to deliver the items or ask the dealer to call to collect, then arrange an appointment and tell the dealer you will want paying in cash (they may need to go to the bank), for your personal safety have someone else with you.

6. Enjoy your well earned cash!


Please Note: This information has been obtained from a verity of sources and Steptoes Dog cannot be held responsible for its accuracy or for any adverse occurances, damage or injury resulting from its use.

Come and visit us at Steptoes Dog Vintage Wares

Thanks for reading, good luck with the selling!
Sarah