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Scroll to the bottom of this section for some
ideas on caring for and restoring fine fabrics.
Caring for Fine Fabrics
Caring for Fine Fabrics
(Please note--Nancy's Vintage Soak is no longer available. I am testing an appropriate substitute and will have it available as soon as possible. In the meantime, the following instructions are still appropriate with the exception of the reference(s) to Nancy's Vintage Soak.)
Fine and vintage linens, especially those made of 100% cotton or linen, or a cotton/linen blend, should be hand washed in cool water or in the washer using the very delicate or hand wash cycle. Very old or delicate linens should always be hand washed.
Le Blanc Linen Wash or a mild laundry soap such as Ivory Snow is best. After washing, damp dry, then iron, using a light spray of starch. A nice added touch for linens you use on a regular basis is to spray lightly with a scented Linen Water as you iron. (You'll also enjoy the ironing more!)
If you are planning to store linens for a long time, use a second rinse and do not use starch. Roll in acid-free paper or around a length of 100% cotton white muslin fabric that has been washed several times and rinsed thoroughly.
Cleaning linens, both new and old
Always wash your linens in cool water and gentle wash cycle. Vintage and very fine linens should probably be washed by hand. I soak linens in a large Rubbermaid "under the bed" container. Always use a clean plastic container. Rubbermaid containers work well as they are generally very smooth on the inside. The "under the bed" size will allow most linens to lie flat enough to soak safely.
I have been successful in restoring a number of very old, much neglected linens, some so brown you could not be really sure what they were. If you have some very old and neglected linens, first soak them for two or three days in tepid water, pouring off the water every hour or so during the day until the water is clear. Soaking not only loosens soil and stain, but allows the fibers to absorb needed moisture.
If the linens look reasonably clean at this point, wash them carefully in LeBlanc Linen Wash and cool water. However, if discoloration and stains remain, then the next step is to use Nancy's Vintage Soak (See product listing for sizes available), a sodium perborate-based product which is safe and easy to use. Simply mix two or three tablespoons per one gallon of water. The secret is slow and careful soaking over several days. Change the water and add more Nancy's Vintage Soak at least once each day or so. You can soak several fairly small items together. Large pieces of linen may require a washing machine, although only if you have a very gentle or hand wash cycle. Rinse thoroughly. Line dry or lay flat.
If you choose to put very sturdy linens in the dryer, avoid the use of fabric softeners, as these add a chemical to the fibers. When the weather allows, lay linens out in the sun for a few hours. The sun does seem to brighten white linens somewhat, but perhaps best of all, the combination of sun and fresh air seems to banish the musty smell often present in linens that have been stored for a long time.
Linens with fragile trim need to be handled carefully. Always fully support the fragile areas when lifting items out of water.
Shirley Schooley
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