How Do You Clean Stained Vintage Linens?
Finding treasures in your grandmother’s attic or at the local flea market is a way to bring the past into the present in your home. Often old linens have seen their fair share of life and require a bit of cleaning before finding their way onto your favorite bed. Dry cleaning these items can be expensive. Cleaning the items yourself can save both money and time. Partially fill a large tub or sink with warm water. Pour in a small amount of gentle detergent designed for delicate fabrics or for babies. Gently stir the water to assure the detergent is completely dissolved. Identify any stains on your garments. Blot any bodily stains, such as blood, sweat or urine, with white vinegar soaked onto a plain white cotton cloth. Blot lemon juice on any other stains using the same application method. Push the linens into the water gently. Do not stir. Allow the item to sink into the water, and hold it down until it stays on its own. Allow it to soak 15 to 30 minutes. Do not rub or agitate. Gently r
