As I have been collecting vintage Barbie dolls, clothes and accessories for over 10 years as well as rediscovering my own childhood collection, I have often come across articles of vintage Barbie clothing that are in need of washing. I have washed many of my vintage Barbie clothes using Cascade powder. Yes, the dishwasher detergent!

The first time I did this, the vintage dress I had received was so dirty it was brown. I couldn't possibly use it in that condition anyway, so I took a chance. It turned out to be the most beautiful blue Let's Dance dress I had ever seen!

Now I use Cascade for all my vintage Barbie items.

Just make a mixture of 1/2 cup Cascade to 1 gallon of warm water and dissolve by stirring. Divide the solution into separate 1 quart containers, then add the clothes and soak overnight. It is recommended that you do like colors together and to be sure to do the whites separately. Do not rub as the material is old and very delicate. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with cool water. Then lay the clothing flat on a white towel (paper towels are ok) to dry.

Washing is not recommended for anything that is red and white such as the tennis sweaters as the red runs. Washing is also not recommended for anything that is fur trimmed.

The clothing I have done came out clean and fresh, the colors bright, the whites white, the stains gone, the material crisp and no fading!