Brown marks on vintage antique hankies

Question

I have found a forgotten box of 45 antique vintage hankies. Most have exquisite hand stitching and are beautiful but they have brown rust-like spots on the from being stored so many years. Are they worth more left as is or should I try to clean them and if so with what?

Diane clark · Answer

Soak them in solution of a couple of  gallons of water plus 1/3 cup oxyclean and 1/3 cup biz detergent for as long as it takes to remove stains.  I use 5 gallon bucket and change solution when it becomes dingy but I have soaked vintage linens for several weeks.  Only time I  had problems was once when red embroidery thread faded onto fabric.  This will bring aged brown antique linen back to white, brightens pastels, and often will remove food and spit up stains from stored baby cloths.

Me · Answer

dissolve 2 tablespoons of powder-type dishwasher detergent in hat water, and then fill a basin with cool water and add the hot part. Let the hankies soak overnight. Then rinse in cool water till clean.

Lillian Santana · Answer

If they don't have to be white, what about 'tea' dying? Then maybe the brown stains would look like part of the design?

Lee · Answer

hydrogen proxicide…?

Cynthia Tyler · Answer

Hydrogen peroxide! Very cheap - environmentally - I think it's safe. Start with half water/half hydro per...use full strength if necessary. OxySpray is also fabulous. Mfr by Clorox, by no bleach, pleasant scent - almost entirely HydroPer. Works on almost EVERYTHING! You could also do a sample try of hair dye remover, available from beauty supply stores, like Sally Beauty Supply.

ShirleyB · Answer

Fresh Lemon juice and sun light to bleach... Then gently wash with gentle soap, or just rinse the lemon juice out. Did this when I scorched my dads baptismal gown getting ready to use it for my son'sbaptism.

Gabrielle Falk · Answer

I've heard that the powder mixture to clean dentures can be quite effective in cleaning. I would always try a small piece of one of the hankies first, just to make sure that whatever you use, doesn't harm the fabric. I think with 'tea' dying, even tho' the result would be a darker coloured handkerchief, the spots would still be visible. Do you have a friendly dry-cleaner? They maybe able to give you advice. Cheers, from Sydney.

Patricia Hoffer · Answer

I have soaked vintage white baby clothes (very fine and delicate) in the denture cleaning tablets. Add two to a gallon or so of tepid water and let material set over night. If staining is still visible, continue to let set even for several days. The white is brilliant and even if the stain is not completely gone it is very faint.

Cynthia Tyler · Answer

Oh yeah! Denture tablets! You might also try 20 Mule Team borax and warm water. Let soak overnight, with an occasional gentle stir.

Grandma 7 Times · Answer

I soaked my mother's Sunday handkerchiefs in mild dishwashing liquid, rinsed twice and did swished them gently. I air dried them, ironed them,folded them particularly, and put them into a frame. I thought you might enjoy the finished product.

Deb K · Answer

Hi Linda, hope this helps you out.

https://www.marthastewart.com/1110959/golden-rules-washing-vintage-items

Mogie · Answer

You could make a homemade Oxyclean using hydropgen perxiode and baking soda.

Brown marks on vintage antique hankies

Suggested Project Book

If Your Stairway Walls Are Empty, Here's What You're Missing

Other

More

Brown marks on vintage antique hankies

Suggested Project Book