So my Ideabook and all back issues of MJFMag are packed away for my move, and I just picked up some ADORABLE little hankies and table linens @ an estate sale yesterday. Does anyone know how to access the "how to clean vintage whites" tip in the Ideabook?? I think that's where I saw it awhile ago...I thought it had something to do with some special blue soap? I could be wrong...Anyway, I'd love to know how to clean them safely if anyone has that handy! Thanks a bunch!!
"The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest." Thomas More
Whitney, I usually soak mine for several days in Oxy-Clean. Sometimes I will change the water and use fresh Oxy but not always. Then I hand rinse very carefully in cold water and lay out on towels to dry if it is small items or lace or on the line if it is table-cloths. So far it has worked very well and some pretty 'brown' lace I was given is actually ivory!!! Surprise!!! Have fun! Angie. (Maryjane suggests you could soak for weeks if need be I think)
"Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance" JUDE 1:2
I like sodium perborate for these jobs. It's a process that involves boiling the clothes w/ the sodium perborate. YOu find it online. My mom has found it the cheapest at science lab type sites, vs. sites that cater to restoring vintage fabrics. P~
JenniferJuniper
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Jennifer
New Hampshire
USA
359 Posts
Posted - Jul 23 2008 : 11:36:37 AM
I also like oxygen cleaner soaks. To get out stains in old linens I make a paste of lemon juice (real stuff, not bottled) and Borax, work it in with an old toothbrush, & set in the sun to dry. It makes a big yellow spot but washes out in the laundry.
I had the christening dress I wore as a baby that I wanted to use for my girls but it was quite yellowed. I soaked it in Snowy bleach dissolved in warm water and it came out beautiful. I've used the Snowy for various older items since and it always does a wonderful job.
Cleaning vintage/delicate whites...
Posted - Jul 21 2008 : 7:44:32 PM
