How to Care for & Clean Vintage Linens

Vintage linen requires gentle cleaning and care.

Vintage or antique linens often yellow and weaken over time. How you care for linens and wash them is important to their longevity. While many people only hand wash linens, they can be laundered in the washing machine using certain precautions. Taking the time and proper care of delicate, fragile fabrics will provide years of enjoyment and preserve them for future generations.

Things You'll Need

• Non-bleach whitener such as Oxyclean or special cleaning agent for linens only.
• Plastic bowl
• Hot water
• Microwave
• Gentle laundry detergent
• Washing machine
• Towels
• Sunlight
• Acid free tissue paper
• Iron
• Spray bottle
• Distilled water

Instructions

Laundering Vintage Linens

1. Spot treat any stains by presoaking.

2. Heat water until hot in a plastic bowl in the microwave.

3. Pour non-bleach whitener into the hot water.

4. Place only sturdy linens into the hot water to soak until water cools. Skip this step if the linen appears fragile, worn or thin.

5. Carefully remove linen and fold within a dry towel to remove excess water. Do not wring out.

6. 

   Wash in cold water on the gentle cycle.

   Place linen in the washing machine on the cold water, in the gentle cycle.

7. Fill washing machine to completely cover linens. Do not overfill.

8. Remove linens and set out on the lawn in the sun. If your linens are fragile, it is recommended that you place them in filtered light until dry.

Ironing Your Vintage Linens

1. 

   Most irons have specific linen settings.

   Set iron to no steam on the linen setting.

2. Fill a spritz bottle with distilled water. This will not to stain the linen.

3. Spritz the fabric as you iron.

4. Iron flat with no seams as this will weaken the fabric over time.

Storing Vintage Linen

1. Fold line pieces carefully.

2. Place your linens between sheets of acid-free tissue paper.

3. Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Ironing before use is best, as linen wrinkles very easily.

• Starch may be used; however it tends to yellow the fabric.

• Avoid harsh detergents or bleach as this can destroy fragile fabrics.

• Vintage linen that is in a very fragile condition should be hand soaked only in cold water with gentle detergent. Avoid the sun with extremely fragile pieces.

• Do not store in attics or places with high temperatures as this also can break down fabric.

References

• Em's Heart: Care of Fine Vintage and Antique Linen