. The Cleaning of Vintage Linens

When it comes to cleaning vintage linens the question I always ask myself is, Should I try to remove the stain or spot and risk damaging the fabric?  After all, the little spots and stains are all part of the character and beauty of vintage linens.  Then again, it would be wonderful to be able to bring them back to their original splendor.

When I first began collecting vintage linens I wasn't sure what to do about stains.  But over the years I've found that there are many different opinions as to the best way to clean your vintage linens.  I've actually tried them all and then some.  What I've found to be true is that different methods seem to work for different stains and fabrics.  What is the perfect remedy for one doesn't seem to work for another.

The one thing I think most everyone will agree upon is that you must be patient.  It takes time to rid a stain that has sat on the fabric for decades.  It can sometimes take 3 days of soaking and resoaking to finally lift a stain.  You'll need to change the water several times as the stain begins to lift.  I find that hot water is key.  And I would suggest to always hand wash your vintage linens.  The washing machine could do damage to the delicate fibers of the fabric.

Pretreating some greasy type yellow stains with Dawn dishwashing liquid can be successful.  For rust stains Whink usually works really well.  It's very strong so just a drop or two should do the trick.  You'll be surprised how quickly a rust stain can lift out.

Another way to remove stains is to add lemon juice and salt to the hot water.  This has worked well for me on many occassions.  Rock salt is another choice.  In combination with baking soda it makes a good substitute for the harsh choice of chlorine bleach.  Just use a five to one solution of rock salt to baking soda and add to hot water.  It will gently lift the stain and leave the fabric brighter.

I would only use chlorine bleach as a last resort and only on sturdier linens.  It is just much too harsh.  A good tip to neutralize the bleach is to add about a half cup of vinegar to the water.  But again, I would only do this as a last resort.

Rinsing and rinsing again is extremely important.  Leaving any residue in the fabric can be damaging to the fibers.  I would always rinse in cool water.  Never wring out the linen.  Wrap it in a dry towel to absorb the excess moisture.

Of all the different ways to clean linens I think the old fashioned way is by far the best and most effective way of removing stains.  This would be sun bleaching.  After you have soaked and rinsed your linens thoroughly, gently wrap them in a dry towel and bring them outside.  Lay them on the towel or on the grass directly in the sun.  It's best to lay them flat rather than hang them.  They'll get more direct sunlight.  You'll be amazed at the results of this tried and true method. 

None of these methods should be used on your delicate linens.  They are just too fragile.  For these you should just accept the stains and spots as part of the beauty of these fabulous old vintage linens and enjoy!