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Cleaning Up:  Whitening dingy dishtowels?  |
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Knittymama
Farmgirl in Training
19 Posts
Knittymama
Minneapolis
MN
19 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 30 2006 : 3:36:46 PM
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Hello all!
I have heaps of embroidered dishtowels. The embroidery and the cloth is still in good shape, but thanks to my husband and son (who use them for everything but dishes!) they look dingy and stained. I've tried soaking in oxyclean overnight but it doesn't help. Any suggestions?
http://knittymama.blogspot.com |
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Knittymama
Farmgirl in Training
19 Posts
Knittymama
Minneapolis
MN
19 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2006 : 4:25:57 PM
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My backyard is so shadey, so sunlight is out. Can I do just the lemon juice? How much?
http://knittymama.blogspot.com |
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ponyexpress
True Blue Farmgirl
320 Posts
Sandy
Kirkwood
Missouri
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2006 : 8:17:05 PM
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I believe Marth S. had said once that boiling in lemon juice and water would help brighten up linens.
Sandy
I don't iron anymore. If I'm not wrinkle-free, why should my clothes be? |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2006 : 12:31:11 AM
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Try equal parts borax, washing soda, and dishwasher detergent. This works wonders on white socks. If soaking in a washer use 1/2 cup of each, agitate, and then let soak overnight. Wash as usual the next AM.
The Rustic Cottage Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands -Proverbs 31:13
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2006 : 08:06:46 AM
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Kay, what exactly IS washing soda? I've seen it mentioned before, and haven't a clue. Thanks,
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2006 : 11:18:54 AM
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You can get it at most grocery stores - Albertsons, Cub or Winco, etc. It's Arm & Hammer Washing Soda in a big yellow box. Not the same as baking soda. Not quite sure what the difference is (don't have a box right now to look at the ingredients) but it sure works good.
The Rustic Cottage Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands -Proverbs 31:13
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2006 : 12:28:38 PM
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Thank you, Kay! I don't recall ever seeing it, but I will be looking. By the way, we don't have any of those three stores here! I'm always trying to get those whites, well...white, without using clorine bleach. Not doing very well, either.
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2006 : 1:15:23 PM
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Yep, I vote the borax and washing soda, but I wouldn't put dishwashing soap into your machine, at least not standard dishwashing soap...the suds get tooo sudsy (ask my mother OY!) maybe something like 7th generation would work though. add a little chlorine free bleech. there ya go...nice white linens
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2006 : 1:19:33 PM
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Dishwasher detergent -- it doesn't suds but has a very small amount of chlorine bleach. If you don't like using bleach then you could just used the soda and borax or maybe add some hydrogen peroxide or something like oxy-clean.
The Rustic Cottage Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands -Proverbs 31:13
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Ronna
True Blue Farmgirl
1891 Posts
Ronna
Fernley
NV
USA
1891 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2006 : 1:46:33 PM
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Denture tablets for many stains, just soak and then toss the items and soaking water in the washer as usual. Dawn dishwashing detergent for grease, even if it's already been through the washer and dryer. I was amazed when someone told me how well it takes out grease, but then remember they use it after an oil spill to clean up the birds who get coated.
When I hesitated on buy some discolored old embroidered/crocheted linens, the sales lady told me to use denture tablets and it works well. Also used it on my mothers bibs and such during her last years. Figured if it took out the food stains on dentures, it would do the same for clothing and it does.
Ronna |
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walrissa
Farmgirl in Training
30 Posts
Larissa
Anchorage
AK
30 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2007 : 01:32:19 AM
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I'll have to use these tips on my nice white t-shirts and some of my son's clothes. He "finds" lots of food that then spreads to me. Today we went out for a burger and he just used the fries as utensils for ketchup before he just picked up the cup and drank it straight. I have lots to get out now. Thanks for the tips!
http://web.mac.com/lwrightelson/iWeb/Cormac%27s%20World/Welcome.html |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2007 : 8:30:10 PM
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In the book, "The Clothesline," they say that if your whites become dingy brom too much soap and not enough rinsing, wash the clothes as usual, then make a solution of 1 tsp. cream of tartar per quart of cool water and soak the clothes overnight - then dry on the line. I haven't tried it, but I sure can't see why it wouldn't work on dishtowels as well!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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silver polock
Farmgirl at Heart
9 Posts
rita
spring
tx
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2007 : 4:10:50 PM
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| ever think about trying vinegar? |
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silver polock
Farmgirl at Heart
9 Posts
rita
spring
tx
USA
9 Posts |
Posted - Jan 28 2007 : 3:19:26 PM
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| vinegar is just one of the ingredients of the solution i am looking for. |
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Cleaning Up: Whitening dingy dishtowels? |
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Whitening dingy dishtowels?
