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Cleaning Up: Older fabrics  |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
    
7661 Posts

Krista
Utah
USA
7661 Posts |
Posted - Feb 26 2025 : 1:42:27 PM
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I remember seeing on here how to clean older delicate fabrics, but I can not remember how to do it. Can someone please remind me how? This is an older pillow case that has been embroidered and has some staining.
Krista Farmgirl Sister #528 Farmgirl Of The Year 2025 |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
    
17301 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17301 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2025 : 10:02:51 AM
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Krista, I just noticed you post... better late then never..
I gently was my vtg linens, crochet, hankies, doilies etc., in barely warm water with a bit of dawn soap,, but there are specific laundry soaps for gentle fabric. Then I do several rinses.. 1st in plain water to remove the soap suds, the 2nd rinse is in water with a bit of lavender (fresh or dried buds, about 1-2 TBLSP.. and let soak for 30 mins.. Then in summer I drape the linen over my lavender bushes.. or lay flat on the grass lawn.. believe it or not, the combination of sun light and the chlorophyl from the grass does a gentle whitening and lightens the stain.. In the winter I hang the linen in the laundry room until dry.
Hope this info helps.. I learned about this method decades ago via an article in 'Victoria Magazine' about caring for vtg fabrics..
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
    
17301 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17301 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2025 : 10:09:30 AM
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I forgot to mention,, some old vtg linens that have been improperly folded and stored would develop that yellowish-rustish hue,, which is very difficult to remove.. You could just gently try to spot clean with diluted bleach, being careful to not touch the embroidery threads,,,
Maybe use some 'spray-n-wash directly on the spot, let sit a bit then wash thoroughly and use a vinegar rinse.. or use Borax in the rinse water.. It may take several washings and error on the side of caution, use less cleaning products, and just wash several times to not shock the fabric fibers. Hope this helps.
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
    
7661 Posts

Krista
Utah
USA
7661 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2025 : 3:02:56 PM
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Grace, thank you so much for all this information! I will pass this information onto my mom and I will let you know how it goes for her.
Krista Farmgirl Sister #528 Farmgirl Of The Year 2025 |
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Cleaning Up: Older fabrics  |
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