Dark Stains on 100-yr-old fabrics
by
Betty B
+4
Has anybody successfully removed dark stains from old fabrics? These are roughly 100 years old and would be beautiful if I could get the small (quarter size) stains out that are all over them. I'm hoping somebody has dealt with this?
7 answers
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Sounds as though there are water stains on them. Once an old fabric gets stained it is very difficult if not impossible to remove without damaging the threads. I would suggest that you go to a professional dry cleaning company that has products that may help you in this quest. Anything you would use that you can purchase over the counter may end up creating a whole other issue.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 12, 2013
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right. and i sure don't want to do that. ok, i'm off to the dry cleaners then. thanks!
Betty B
on Sep 12, 2013
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I have had luck getting this type of stain out of old/antique fabrics by squeezing lemon directly on the spot and taking the fabric outside and putting it in the sun. The sun "bleaches" out the stain - or reduces the darkness of the stain. I then wash the item on the delicate cycle in my washing machine or by hand. Sometimes it takes a couple of repeat performances to get the stain out, but it usually works and is gentle on the fabric. Do no scrub the stain - that will damage the threads. Good luck!
Nola Zusi
on Sep 14, 2013
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go to a quilting fabric shop; they have special quilt soap that gets out stains and usually the older ladies running it will have lots of experience and advice for you.
Tabby
on Sep 14, 2013
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Use a lemon and sunshine ! Rub and squeeze entire lemon on the stains. take the piece out to the clothesline on a very sunny day and hang piece in direct sunlight. Then wash item on delicate cycle with woolite and line dry.
Jossi
on Sep 14, 2013
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Are the fabrics supposed to be white, or an off white color, some other color? If you get snow in your area you can lay them directly on the snow in a sunny location and let the elements to the work for you.
Sparkles
on Sep 15, 2013
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Put a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a large tub, fill with tepid water. Immerse fabric and "raise" fabric up and down several times. Let fabric soak in solution several hours. Rinse, rinse, rinse until no trace of soap remains. Roll fabric in bath towel squeezing out water. Hang outside until almost dry, iron with dry (no steam) iron until dry to the touch.
Linda Caromile
on Apr 07, 2015
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