How to Clean Yellowed Brocade Fabric
Brocade is a heavy fabric that has been decorated or interwoven with a raised design. Despite its sturdy appearance, the raised design on the fabric can be damaged if it's not handled properly. Generally, you should dry clean brocade, and hand wash it with care. Yellowing can be caused by age, by exposure to cigarette smoke, or by other airborne pollutants. Some yellowing may be permanent. Before you give up on a yellowed brocade fabric, consult a cleaning expert. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Fill the sink with cold water. Add ½ cup liquid laundry soap. Agitate the water with your hands until the water is slightly soapy.
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Put the brocade fabric in the soapy water and gently work it through your hands. Keep washing the fabric this way until it is clean. Do not let the fabric sit in the water.
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Remove the fabric from the soapy water. Drain the sink and add cool water. Put the fabric in the clean, cool water and gently work it through your hands until it is thoroughly rinsed. You may have to change the water several times, depending on how large the piece of fabric is.
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Take the fabric out of the rinse water. Do not squeeze or wring it. Lay it flat on a clean bath towel. Start at one end, and gently roll the fabric up in the towel. Press down on the towel to squeeze out excess moisture.
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Unroll the towel. Dry large pieces of brocade flat on clean, dry towels. Dry smaller pieces of fabric that won't sag when they're hung by using wooden clothespins to suspend them from a wooden hanger. Wooden clothespins and hangers won't stain the fabric while it's damp.
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Tips & Warnings
Wash larger yellowed brocade fabric in the same manner in the bathtub.
