How to Clean Antique Fabric

You can care for vintage fabric at home

Caring for vintage fabrics is a delicate operation. These pieces may be treasured family heirlooms, yard sale finds or a piece of clothing or linen that you spent a small fortune on at an auction. No matter how you acquired the piece, washing, storing and caring for these vintage fabrics can be accomplished at home without the immediate need for professional intervention. All the products required to properly care for these fabrics can be found at your local craft or grocery store.

Things You'll Need

• Mild soap
• Towels
• Bucket
• Lemons
• Small dish
• Spoon
• Salt
• Vinegar

Instructions

1. Fill a sink or bathtub with cool water and few ounces of mild soap. Mild soap will not contain any dyes or perfumes and will contain natural ingredients such as aloe.

2. Soak the pieces in this solution for several hours, or overnight.

3. Move the piece around the water with your hands to work the soap into the piece more.

4. Drain the tub and rinse the piece two to four times with cool water.

5. Wrap the piece inside a towel and carefully squeeze until most of the excess water is removed.

6. Lay item on a dry towel on a flat surface to dry. Do not place the antique fabric in the sun or near a heat source, such as a radiator.

7. Remove any stains by placing the stained area over a small bowl filled with the juice squeezed from two lemons.

8. Spoon the lemon juice onto the stain until it is saturated and then place approximately 1/2 tablespoon of table salt onto the stained area.

9. Rub the salt gently into the stain. Allow to sit for 30 minutes.

10. Rinse the area with a cup of vinegar and then rinse the vinegar from the fabric with cool water. Lay the fabric back onto a towel and allow it to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Store antique fabrics by wrapping them in acid-free paper and placing it into a wooden chest.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Cleaning Vintage Linens