How to Clean Cotton Antique Lace With Vinegar

Clean your antique lace to make it look like new.

Whether you're pulling together family heirlooms for your wedding day or decorating with vintage curtains, you may have noticed the items need some freshening up. Antique cotton lace is just as delicate as it is charming, so cleaning it can be tricky. You’ll want to get it as bright and clean as possible without tearing the fabric. Some of the most effective cleaning supplies are cheap and readily available, such as white vinegar and salt. Plus, these items are safe for the environment -- and your old lace fabric.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Large pot
• Salt
• Alum
• Sugar
• Distilled white vinegar

Instructions

1. Fill a sink basin with cold water, and submerge the lace completely. Gently push the lace around in the water. This initial soak may lift some of the stains quickly.

2. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water, and pour the mixture into the basin. Gently move the still-submerged lace around in the basin. Soak the lace for 15 to 30 minutes before removing it.

3. Boil 1 gallon of water in a large pot. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of salt, and stir. Submerge the lace in the pot for 3 to 5 minutes to lift stubborn stains.

4. Rinse the lace in the basin, filled with cool water, to get rid of the white vinegar smell once all stains are lifted.

5. Lay the lace out to air-dry in natural sunlight, if possible. The sun will help bleach and whiten the lace. Avoid doing this often, as the sun will break down the fabric with too much exposure.

Tips & Warnings

• For lace that’s dyed in a few different colors, add 1 cup of salt, 1 tablespoon of alum and 1 tablespoon of sugar to 1/2 cup of vinegar. Apply the mixture to the lace with a soft cloth or sponge, to lift stains and rust. Then rinse and air-dry the lace.

• If you have more than one piece of vintage lace to wash, clean the pieces one at a time, to ensure that each piece gets thoroughly clean.

• Some antique lace is strong enough to endure cleaning while other lace may fall apart when handled. If the lace seems to tear easily, have a professional clean it instead of trying to do it yourself.

References

• How to Clean Stuff: How to Clean Antique Lace
• The Vinegar Institute: Uses and Tips
• The Daily Green: The Easiest Green Cleaning Recipes You Can Make at Home
• Fashion Era: Cleaning Tips for Vintage Fashion Textiles