How to Remove Yellow Spots on Vintage Fabrics

Example of yellowing of vintage fabric

Vintage fabrics pick up yellow age spots when they are improperly stored in a humid area, and removing the spots requires patience and effort. Some stains cannot be completely removed, no matter what you do, because the contaminants and moisture that cause the spots also cause the fibers of the fabric to become brittle. Soaking the fabric to saturate the fibers and using liquid softener in the rinse water is the most effective way to get rid of yellow spots and to keep the damaged fibers from becoming so brittle they break.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cap of gentle liquid laundry detergent
• Warm water
• Wash basin
• 1/2 cup borax
• 1/2 cap of liquid laundry detergent

Instructions

1. Pour a drop of liquid laundry detergent, about the size of a quarter, on the yellow spot and rub it in gently. If the spot is large, add more drops as needed. Pour the remaining detergent from the cap in the washbasin.

2. Pour warm water in the wash basin and add the borax. Submerge the vintage fabric in the soapy water, and allow it to soak for 30 minutes.

3. Wash the fabric by rubbing it against itself. Rinse out the soapy water with cold water until the water runs clear. Check to see if the spots are gone. If they are still there, repeat the soaking in detergent and borax water. Scrub the fabric again and rinse. Stains that do not come out by the second time are likely to be permanent.

4. Pour 1/2 cap of liquid laundry detergent into the washbasin and fill the basin with cold water. Submerge the fabric and let it soak for 30 minutes. Wring the excess water out of the fabric by hand and hang it to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for borax in the laundry section of department stores, under the names 20 Mule Team Borax or Arm & Hammer Washing Soda.

References

• New Mexico State University: Getting Clothes Clean
• Eco-Cycle: Alternative Cleaners and Recipes