Product Care
With the right care and storage, our handmade vestments should last generations. Make sure to read our guide for the care of your vestments, linens, and metalware.
Vestment Care
Storage & Use
We recommend storing your vestments in dedicated drawers or cupboards, with the items kept flat and protected with acid-free tissue paper. Larger items, such as copes, should be folded; each fold should be padded with acid-free tissue paper. It is not recommended to store the vestments in oak containers, as oak releases acidic vapour.
Ensure that your vestments are not exposed to direct sunlight, damp, and insects such as moths. Be sure to check your vestment storage regularly for any of these issues.
During times/seasons of use, the vestments should be hung on padded hangers, covered with a washable cotton overcloth. When vesting, the vestments should be supported to ensure a single area is not taking the whole weight.
Cleaning
Areas of concern should be spot cleaned only. Be sure not to use any harsh chemicals or cleaning fluids, as this may harm the colour and integrity of the fabric.
The vestments may be taken to a specialist dry cleaner who is familiar with vestments and silk. However, this is not recommended on a regular basis.
Embroidery
Embroidery threads, especially metallic and silk threads, should not be steamed or exposed to high heat. Embroidered items should not be folded. Should they need to be folded, each fold should be heavily padded with acid free tissue paper.
Over time, embroidery threads may loosen. These issues should only be addressed by embroiderers, experienced with conservation.
Linen Care
Laundering
Most powders and detergents are fine to use on linen. However, please avoid using detergents which contain Optical Brightening Agents (O.B.A), as they will detract from the appearance of the subtle white linen damask pattern.
You should also avoid using bleach as a cleansing agent. Although linen is a strong fabric which can be washed at high temperatures, we do not recommend washing above 40°.
Drying
Although it can be spun, linen should never be tumble dried; always line dry.
Ironing
Linen is notoriously tricky to iron!
We would always recommend ironing the fabric when damp, first on the wrong side to eliminate creases and then on the right side to enhance the fabric's natural sheen. A good steam iron will work best.
Storage
Linen altar cloths store best when rolled, rather than folded. Avoid cupboards with heating pipes running through them or cedar linen chests, as these will discolour linen.
Metalware Care
Silver plated articles should be washed as soon as possible after use, especially after contact with wine. Put into hot water, in which a liquid detergent has been dissolved, then rinse and dry immediately with a soft, absorbent cloth. Never pour detergent directly on the silver as this may cause staining. A polishing cloth can be used to obtain a brilliant finish.
An occasional application of silver polish is recommended. Silver polish should not be used on a gilt surface.