How to Clean a Vintage Needlepoint
Vintage needlepoint may be everything from a treasured family heirloom, to a collector's investment. Since most needlework is done on cloth it often becomes dirty or stained. Learning how to clean vintage needlepoint properly will prevent damage and ensure its value, whether sentimental or monetary.
Stains may be classified into five general types: food or protein, tannin, oil based, dye stains and combination stains. The type of stain will determine the proper cleaning method.
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Things You'll Need
- Clean white cloth
- Vinegar
- Bicarbonate of Soda
- Lemon Juice
- Paper towels
- Salt
- Soda Water
Instructions
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All Stains
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1
Soak up any excess liquid from spills on vintage needlepoint as quickly as possible.
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2
Scrape off any dried food or solid matter before trying to remove the stain.
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3
Test an unseen area of the fabric of any vintage needlepoint first.
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4
Work from the back of the stain first, going from the outside to the middle.
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5
Dab the fabric, do not scrub it.
Tea (Tannin) Stains
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6
Saturate the corner of a clean white cloth with white vinegar.
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7
Dab the stain with the vinegar soaked cloth.
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8
Wash the article as you would normally, or if the vintage needlepoint is non-washable, blot it with a clean damp cloth several times to remove excess vinegar.
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9
Rub stains that are dried in with a solution made from three tablespoons white vinegar mixed with two tablespoons liquid detergent and four cups of warm water. Blot dry after applying solution and wash as normal.
Butter, Margarine, Mayonnaise or Cooking Oil
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10
Mix enough bicarbonate of soda with water to form a paste.
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11
Cover the soiled area with the mixture.
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12
Wait at least 30 minutes, and then wash the vintage needlepoint as you would normally.
Ink or Rust
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13
Place the vintage needlepoint stain side down on several layers of paper towels.
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14
Cut a lemon in half, and squeeze the juice from one half onto the stain.
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15
Dry the lemon juice saturated stain in the sun.
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16
Wash the vintage needlepoint as you would normally.
Blood
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17
Make a solution of salt and enough cold water to cover the stained area.
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18
Soak the stain in the salt solution.
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19
Rinse the area and wash the vintage needlepoint as you would normally, if needed.
Red Wine
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20
Dip the corner of a clean white cloth into some soda water or plain seltzer.
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21
Dab the stain with the wet cloth.
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22
Wash the vintage needlepoint as you would normally.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Most vintage needlepoint will require hand-washing in cool or lukewarm water with a mild detergent. After washing and rinsing, water should be gently squeezed from the fabric but not twisted. Blotting with a towel will also help. Hang to dry.
If the vintage needlepoint also has lace attached additional steps may be necessary to clean properly.
