Trying to get stains out of old fabrics? Mix color-safe bleaching powder (1/4 cup) with dishwasher powder (1/8 cup) and warm water (1/2 gallon). Soak the fabric in the mixture overnight, then wash. Dry in the air; do not use a dryer.
You need to be careful of which dishwasher powder you use. A lot of them contain bleach which will weaken fragile fibers and cause further damage. I get the best results using Oxyclean and boiling water. The boiling water is what causes the oxy-action to work at it's best. You may have to repeat the process a couple of times, but I have had great success using this method on antique crocheted items. And for anyone wanting to re-starch Grandmother's doilies, never, ever use any "home" starching methods, in particular sugar starch or cornstarch. Over time these methods cause dry rot, not to mention you are creating a lovely buffet for all sorts of creepy creatures to feast upon. Use laundry starch, or even spray starch instead. Using these "homemade" methods is why you see antique crochet that deteriorates when used.
After using your prefered method of washing you linens lay them in the grass to dry - there is something about the oxygen in the grass that will help remove stains that nothing else seems to touch.
These are all good suggestions if the fabric is white cotton. If there is silk ribbon trim or rayon- these methods will remove the color from the fabrics or ribbons.Make sure to rinse, rinse, rinse, to remove all traces of the cleaners. Of course, these are all hand wash methods- washing machine could shred the fabric.
For linens and tablecloths that have spots or are brown with age try Oxiclean. Use three or four scoops in a pan large enough for the item and water as hot as the item can take (only use warm on embroidered things) and soak overnitht. Works great
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You need to be careful of which dishwasher powder you use. A lot of them contain bleach which will weaken fragile fibers and cause further damage. I get the best results using Oxyclean and boiling water. The boiling water is what causes the oxy-action to work at it's best. You may have to repeat the process a couple of times, but I have had great success using this method on antique crocheted items. And for anyone wanting to re-starch Grandmother's doilies, never, ever use any "home" starching methods, in particular sugar starch or cornstarch. Over time these methods cause dry rot, not to mention you are creating a lovely buffet for all sorts of creepy creatures to feast upon. Use laundry starch, or even spray starch instead. Using these "homemade" methods is why you see antique crochet that deteriorates when used.
After using your prefered method of washing you linens lay them in the grass to dry - there is something about the oxygen in the grass that will help remove stains that nothing else seems to touch.
I use BIZ, and it works wonders, even on old stains.
These are all good suggestions if the fabric is white cotton. If there is silk ribbon trim or rayon- these methods will remove the color from the fabrics or ribbons.Make sure to rinse, rinse, rinse, to remove all traces of the cleaners. Of course, these are all hand wash methods- washing machine could shred the fabric.
For linens and tablecloths that have spots or are brown with age try Oxiclean. Use three or four scoops in a pan large enough for the item and water as hot as the item can take (only use warm on embroidered things) and soak overnitht. Works great
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