Debate: Does steam cleaning vintage clothes ruin them or save them?

I picked up a 1970s wool blazer at a flea market in Richmond last weekend and getting the smell out was a nightmare. One guy at the booth swore by steam cleaning, but another older lady said it shrinks everything and to just air it out for a week. So what do you all think? Steam or no steam for old fabrics found at thrift stores?

2 comments

2 Comments

lee.cole1mo agoTop Commenter

Steam clean a 1970s wool blazer? Man that sounds like a gamble I wouldn't take.

michaelrodriguez1mo ago

Have you ever actually tried steam cleaning wool from that era, @lee.cole? Honestly, it's a total roll of the dice depending on how the fabric was treated back then. Most 1970s blazers have that stiff interfacing inside that can warp or bubble up with too much moisture. I'd say a handheld steamer from a foot away is safer than a full-on steam cleaner, but even then you gotta test a hidden spot first. Ngl, I've seen too many thrift store finds get ruined by people thinking steam fixes everything. Tbh, dry cleaning is the boring but safe bet for something that old.