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Before you dry clean a vintage garment, read this

If you're considering bringing in a cherished vintage garment for dry cleaning, this gentle guide will explain why certain outcomes can't always be guaranteed — and how we approach each piece with clarity, care, and respect.


Some garments carry more than fabric and thread. They carry memory, emotion, and history. It is why we always take a moment when someone hands us a piece from decades past. There's usually a story behind it.


However, when a garment has outlived generations, it also carries risk. Even when it appears outwardly strong, the fibres inside may have begun to weaken due to age, storage, or past treatments. It's not something you can always see with the eye or predict from the label.


This is especially true for formal wear, such as vintage tailcoats, bridal wear, or delicate silks. Often made with fine materials that were never intended to last 80 or 100 years, they can react unpredictably to cleaning, even with the most cautious and professional approach.


At Farthings Dry Cleaners in Cambridge and Trumpington, we take every possible precaution. We assess fabric condition. We clean gently, by hand when needed. We speak honestly about the potential risks. But we cannot promise that a 1930s garment will emerge unchanged. No cleaner can. And no responsible cleaner ever should.


One recent example involved a 1930s white tie tailcoat — a deeply sentimental piece with slightly visible wear already present when it arrived. After careful dry cleaning, a section of the lapel fabric did not withstand the process. Given the age of the jacket, the original material was likely a type of lining fabric now nearly impossible to match. This is part of the hidden challenge with historic garments: even the most delicate cleaning can sometimes reveal a weakness that was invisible beforehand. And when that happens, repairs may not be simple or even feasible.



Here at Farthings Dry Cleaners, we understand how personal these pieces are. If something were to go wrong, the emotion is real. It's why we will always stay open, transparent, and kind in our communication. It's also why we may sometimes suggest not cleaning at all — if we believe the risks outweigh the reward.


For those who choose to proceed, we will be with you every step of the way. If damage does occur and a repair is possible, we will do our best to guide the next steps. We may be able to recommend a specialist tailor or be here to discuss the details with you.


Vintage garments are precious, but their age makes them inherently fragile. We treat each with the respect it deserves, and offer honest guidance on what's possible — and what isn't. If you're unsure whether to clean a sentimental item, speak to us first. We'll walk you through the risks with care and clarity.





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143 Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1XE

📞 Call us: 01223 755180

🕒 Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4 pm | Sat 8:30 am–3 pm

🗺️ Get directions to our Cambridge Branch


 1 Anstey Way, Trumpington, Cambridge, CB2 9JE

📞 Call us: 01223 625310

🕒 Opening Hours:  Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4 pm | Sat 8:30 am–3 pm

🗺️ Get directions to our Trumpington Branch


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✨ Who is Farthings Dry Cleaners? Farthings Dry Cleaners is known as Cambridge and Trumpington's most sought-after dry cleaners. It's the ideal home for your high-end garments preservation and alteration to be cared for, helping them last as long as possible and always making you look stunning. Trust Farthings — where your garments are cared for like couture.

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