How do I remove old stains from vintage hand painted fabric?

Question

A beautiful hand painted skirt from the 50's or 60's has stains. One looks like a food stain and the rest are the brownish stains that show up with age on fabric. I don't know the fabric composition, but it looks like the original fabric was white and then dyed turquoise in places and then painted over with the design. It also has sequins sewn on in places. I don't want to ruin it.

Danny Anderson · Answer

Personally I would find a dry cleaners that specializes in this kind of stain removal. There is no way I would attempt to do this myself.

Susan · Answer

I've had good results by spraying with a fabric stain remover and the carpet cleaner 'Resolve' . I let it sit for a while then gently use a toothbrush to work the liquid into the fibers. But...some old stains just never come out!

Ann · Answer

Quaker House rust and stain remover(liquid) will remove some of the stains but I don't know if this will also make the blue fade. My family has used the product for over 30 years...works great for those age or rust spots on old linens. I also use it for rust spots that you sometimes get in the shower. Good Luck (buy online,or pick up in Houston,TX)

Shirley · Answer

Just a thought, Polident is used on delicate vintage lace, etc. with no problems; however, instead of soaking I would use cotton swab, toothbrush, etc. and dab on spot to be sure it does not remove color first. Good Luck (In case you are not familiar Polident is a denture soaking tablet, found in tooth paste isle).

Shirley · Answer

Another thought is WINK liquid removes RUST Spots; however it will also remove color. Good luck!

Doreen Kearns · Answer

this looks like it may be blood then no hope for old blood but if it is not did you try Zest hand soap?? I found this removes so many stains ... always use it for grease type stains ... my sister used to work in dry cleaners years ago and she told me that is what they used

JennB · Answer

I don't know if this will help you or not but I checked & found a skirt that's very similar to yours on Etsy. It lists cleaning as Dry Clean, maybe you can contact them & see if they have any ideas on how to clean yours. Here's the link https://www.etsy.com/listing/125377681/vintage-mexican-hand-painted-full-circle?ref=market or if you don't want to use a link from some one you don't know then you can search on 'painted wrap skirt' Mexico & you should be able to find it. Good Luck it's a lovely skirt.

Linda Clawson Wright · Answer

for blood +hydogen perxoide, other try biz

Marilyn K · Answer

disguise some of them by painting a design over it

Anne fenske · Answer

Anne F. In the old days we used lemon juice and ly in the sun. I use liquid detergent. Make a little spot wet ,rub a small amount on the stain, let sit for 5min then just swish in luke warm water. Lay out to dry if it fades the spot do the others and reapply to semi faded spot .It may take a few times, but its worth it. Nice skirt. You can still use drycleaner if it doesn't work.

Elizabeth Butterfield · Answer

Probably from Mexico, Central or Latin America.

Patti Cagle · Answer

Dry clean only! If you try other stain removers and they fail to get out the stain, then the dry cleaners probably won't be able to work their magic.

Karen V · Answer

My first thought is like Marilyn K, above. I would find similar colored fabric paint and lightly go over stains. This will insure you do not lose colors. Good Luck!

How do I remove old stains from vintage hand painted fabric?

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How do I remove old stains from vintage hand painted fabric?

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