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Caring for your vintage
linens and
textiles
Use and enjoy your vintage linens and
textiles! So many ways to display and appreciate vintage &
antique linens.
I hand wash all of the linens I sell, unless
they retain their
original paper labels or are in clean unused condition. I use Dreft or
Ivory Snow on delicate pieces-and use a good old bar of Fels Napa brown
soap for stains- never rubbing directly on delicate fabric- I lather it
up in my hands or use shavings from the bar. .
Less is more when you try to remove
stains- if the most
conservative approach does not work-- try the next type of stain
removal. Use Oxy products with caution as they can cause dye to
run in
older textiles- always test in a small area. Oxy is a wonderful
stain
removal technique for sturdier fabrics but do use caution on dyed and
delicate pieces. NEVER use bleach- it weakens the fibers- Sun is
wonderful for natural bleaching~~ lay damp pieces directly on the
grass. I also use Dawn dish washing detergent on vintage
tablecloth
stains-yellowing. Chances are the stains are food stains.
Always spot
test first.
Most important is to treat a stain as soon as
possible. If
something is badly stained or discolored, soaking is the key- and keep
soaking. Change the water and soap frequently- ALWAYS rinse until the
water runs clear. Storage staining is easily removed with
soaking-
and pre-treating the stains is usually not necessary unless they are
dark and set in. When linens are stored against wood or in cedar
chests they pick up the stain of the wood.
Martha Stewart recommends using a towel under
your linens in the
sink, to lift them out so you don't damage the fabric from the weight
of the wet linens. I like to use a netted laundry bag which
allows
them to drain before hanging without wringing and damaging the
fabric.
Many pieces I block laying them out on several towels- shaping them in
their original form- this is best for lace and crocheted pieces.
I rarely use the washing machine only when
necessary, perhaps for
bedspreads, blankets etc and many times I also hand wash many of
these~If using the washing machine- Only on delicate and don't agitate
a full cycle- only agitate a minute and then soak.
Always air dry linens- and never use the
dryer. I find that racks
are better to use as they do not stretch the fabric like hanging on a
clothesline can. Store vintage and antique linens using
acid free
tissue paper-
I don't use starch- At times I use spray
sizing to help with
ironing- I LOVE my Rowenta iron. A pleasure to iron with~ imagine
that!
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