The holiday bins come out, and with them a pile of fabric that has been packed away for eleven months: stockings, a tree skirt, throws, a table runner, napkins. Some of it was put away clean. Some of it was not.
Before it goes on display, here is how to check it, clean it, and decide what is worth bringing to us.
Check Each Piece First
Open each piece in good light. Look for yellowing, stains, a musty smell, or small holes. Anything that smells off should be cleaned before it goes near your couch or your tree.
What You Can Usually Wash at Home
- Cotton or polyester stockings with no sewn-on trim.
- Machine-washable throws, following the care label.
- Plain cotton napkins and runners.
Wash these on a gentle cycle, and air dry anything with trim or felt.
What Is Better Brought In
- Velvet, satin or beaded tree skirts.
- Heirloom stockings or anything hand-stitched.
- Table runners and napkins with stains that have been sitting since last year.
- A large set of table linens, which is easier to hand over in one batch.
For table linens, timing depends on how many pieces you bring. A large order takes about a week, so do not wait until the day before the meal. Our guide to getting the Thanksgiving tablecloth ready after a year in storage has more on that.
An Honest Note About Old Stains
Stains that have been in storage for a year are harder to remove. We will tell you what we can do before we start, and we will not promise a stain will come out. Sometimes the answer is that it will look better but not perfect.
Clean Before You Store Again
When the holidays end, clean the pieces before they go back in the bin. Food and body oils that look invisible now turn into yellow stains and odors by next year.
When to Let Us Handle It
If you have a batch of decor fabric and do not want to sort through it, bring it in or schedule a pickup. We will tell you what each piece needs and what is realistic.
Schedule a pickup or sign up for Vogue Valet today and enjoy expertly cared-for clothes without the hassle.
