Those who collect, sell or wear vintage fabrics know the importance of keeping vintage fabrics clean. Vintage fabrics will continue to increase in value, if fabric is cleaned and cared for properly. Overtime, fabric will become extremely fragile and may contain yellow stains. Vintage fabrics should be cleaned individually by hand, to ensure fabrics do not become damaged or discolored. Certain mild detergent solutions can be used to clean and remove stains from vintage fabrics.
Read the tag on the vintage fabric, if the tag is still attached. Some vintage fabrics may require specific washing instructions.
2
Fill a washtub half full with warm water. Pour 1/3 cup of mild laundry detergent into the water. Do not use regular detergent, bleach or stain treaters on vintage fabrics.
3
Place the vintage fabric carefully in the washtub. Gently swish the fabric around in soapy solution, without rubbing the fabric.
4
Allow the fabric to soak in the soapy solution for 24 hours. Remove the fabric from the washtub, and rinse the fabric in cool water three to four times.
5
Lay the vintage fabric on a plush, white towel. Roll up the towel and the fabric, pressing on the towel to release water from the fabric.
6
Continue rolling up the fabric in the towel, until the fabric is not longer dripping wet. Drape the fabric flat over a drying rack, until the fabric is completely dry.
Tips & Warnings
Rub fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of salt into any stains. After 30 minutes, rinse off the lemon juice and salt from the fabric with vinegar, followed by warm water.
Do not put vintage fabric in a wash machine or dryer; the machines can damage the fabric.
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