Retro Clean Vintage Textile Soak Solution: A Review
Retro Clean is a unique cleaning product that has garnered a loyal following, particularly among those who appreciate vintage textiles and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. If you’ve been around my blog for a while, you may recall a few posts where I mention Retro Clean Soaking Powder but I haven’t ever gone and done a full review. At this current moment, I have used this product since about 2018/19 and have tested it on a wide range of vintage textiles so I’m excited to share with you my thoughts and findings. So here we go, this review will delve into its key features, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
How to Use Retro Clean:
Retro Clean can be used as a normal wash (same vibe as adding a scoop of Napisan to your wash) but it does have it’s own unique way to be used. It is always recommended if you are cleaning something you’ve not cleaned before to test it for colourfastness.
Retro Clean recommends washing your item normally to remove any surface dust or dirt. Retro Clean is more a soaking solution than an actual washing powder despite it being used in a range of ways. Ideally, after your item is washed, mix 3 – 4 tablespoons of Retro Clean per gallon of warm water in a tub or bucket to create your soaking solution.
Submerge your item into your solution mixing it up and making sure it is fully submerged in the cleaning solution.
Leave your tub/bucket outside in a sunny spot. Retro Clean really works best when soaked outdoors in a sunny location. The sun helps keep the water warm, causing the activation process to speed up. If a sunny day is not available, a soak can be done successfully indoors. It may just take a little longer. For smaller items, some people use a crock pot at the ‘keep warm’ setting.
[Personal Note: The above images come from previous blogs where I have used Retro Clean to wash some very delicate vintage dresses. I am very lucky to have my bathtub in direct sunlight if the window is open which is why I havn’t used the bucket in the sun steps in these images. Retro Clean worked wonders for these garments and they are both linked below if you’d like more information.]
Keep your items immersed. If they have a tendency to pop up you can weight them down with a plate. Let them soak for 24-48 hours, checking on their progress periodically. There is no need to agitate. Should your item look good after 24 hours, but could still look better, be patient and let it soak the full 48 hours, if necessary.
When you see that the stains are removed, you can remove your items. Wash and rinse your project once more using your normal washing powder or the recommended Retro Wash Laundry Powder (but I’ve personally never tried it), to remove any residue. If you are working with a delicate item, lay it out to dry naturally and enjoy your restored piece!
Key Features and Benefits
- Natural Ingredients: Retro Clean is formulated with natural ingredients, making it a safer choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
- Effective Stain Removal: The product is known for its ability to remove tough stains, even on delicate fabrics like vintage linens.
- Whitening Power: Retro Clean can help restore the brightness of faded fabrics, especially whites.
- Gentle on Fabrics: Despite its cleaning power, the powder is designed to be gentle on fabrics, preventing damage or color loss.
- Eco-Friendly: Retro Clean is generally considered an environmentally friendly product, as it is free from harsh chemicals and phosphates.
Potential Drawbacks
- Requires Sunlight: One of the unique aspects of Retro Clean is its reliance on sunlight to activate its cleaning power. This may limit its effectiveness in certain weather conditions or for those without access to direct sunlight.
- Slower Cleaning Process: The need for sunlight and soaking time can make the cleaning process slower compared to modern, fast-acting detergents.
- Cost: While pricing can vary, Retro Clean may be more expensive than traditional laundry detergents, especially when considering the additional time and effort required.
Overall Assessment
Retro Clean is a valuable option for those seeking a natural and effective cleaning solution,particularly for delicate or vintage fabrics. Its ability to remove stains and restore brightness, combined with its eco-friendly nature, makes it a popular choice among many consumers. However, its reliance on sunlight and the potential for a slower cleaning process may not suit everyone’s needs.
If you:
- Value natural and eco-friendly cleaning products
- Have delicate or vintage fabrics
- Are willing to invest extra time in the cleaning process
Retro Clean may be an excellent choice for you.
If you want to see some before and afters of the laundering process of some of my vitage over the years, I’d highly recommend you check out any of these blogs:
Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and thoughts expressed are solely my own and not influenced in any way. This page contains affiliate links/codes which aids in funding future content.
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