How To Keep Your Old Accessories In Tip-Top Shape For Years
Replacing a blouse or a skirt doesn’t usually bring with it any profound emotions. You just buy a new one.
But the same isn’t true of accessories. You can actually get quite attached to these and not want to replace them.
But how can you keep them in tip-top condition for longer? That’s what we address in this post. We look at some of the strategies you can use to keep these keepsakes at their best.
Store Well
Perhaps the biggest and easiest thing you can do is just store your accessories well. So many people just stuff them in a drawer and forget about them, but you don’t want to do that.
Start by placing small items in breathable cotton bags. These will protect them from rough edges while also allowing gas exchange.
Don’t use plastic bins. These are more likely to attract moisture. If you do decide to use plastic, always store items with a desiccant. Dryness is one of the best ways to reduce mold.
Get Your Glasses Reglazed
Instead of going to the optician and asking for a new pair of glasses, you can simply get them reglazed. This approach means you just change the lenses but keep the frames.
The best option here is to go to a specialist who does this sort of work all day. They can advise you on how to best take care of your frames and what you need to do to ensure they remain robust. They may also offer to restore them for you using in-house techniques if they’re available.
Clean Before Stashing
It’s also a good idea to clean your accessories before stashing them away. Removing anything volatile from their surfaces is an excellent way to ensure they remain in peak condition.
For example, if you have metal, make sure you wipe it with a microfibre cloth. Don’t use a tissue as you could scratch your jewelry.
You can also do the same with leather and suede with a specialist brush. Again, these can remove a lot of dirt from the surface without causing damage to the underlying material.
Rotate Your Accessories
Another tactic is to simply rotate your accessories over the years. This way, you’re not just relying on one or two pieces daily.
When you do this, you’ll suddenly discover that things aren’t wearing out at the same rate. Plus, if you space them out enough, nobody will notice that you’re just wearing the same things on repeat.
Shield From Sunlight
You also want to shield your accessories from sunlight. Don’t allow them to just sit in the sun, as this will usually damage them.
The best approach is to store them in a dark place, like a cupboard in a room. If you’re going to be outside a lot, you can also look into applying UV protectant sprays. These are a bit like sunscreen, but for your accessories, helping them absorb incoming energy without damaging any of the sensitive organics underneath.
Try these strategies and let us know what you think.
