I adore vintage linens and hunt them up every place, from antique shops to thrifts and there is very little that will scare me off. While at very nice antique shops most are in pretty good shape you can find some in other locations that while you know they have potential you also know that they can’t even come into the house until they are cleaned!
Odors and mystery stains all need to hit the road before you can even consider what to do with your treasure and I am a huge fan of Retro Clean for this part of the process! Depending on the level of ick this happens in the laundry room or sometimes on the front porch for items that are heavily smoke damaged or with mystery stains that make you wonder.
My newest piece was in quite good condition, and had obviously been washed but not stain treated and was blessed with a variety of yellow stains that I know as Protein Age Stains and I had a good feeling that Retro Clean could get them out.
My process is easy. Fill a plastic bin with warm water and the correct amount of powder for the project and then put the item to be rescued in the bin and get it all wet…. To make sure things stay wet and under water I weight them down with a plate or other item and then I wait.
Waiting is the hardest part!. As a rule I give even lightly solid items 12-24 hours, and heavily stained items might get up to a week with a water and soap change along the way!
When done soaking, carefully drain off the water, rinse and then wash again on delicate in the washer. Dry as you see fit. On my part I am going to really be using these items so I wash and dry as I will be using them – around here everything needs to pull its weight!
If needed, time to iron before quilting, but just for a bit admire you whiter whites, and your brightened colors… it is going to be an amazing project!!
Look for Retro Clean at your local quilt shop… but if they don’t have pop on over to the Retro Clean website and place an order… In the meantime go dig out those old linens and start thinking about what you might create!
Check back here at BAQS where Part 2 will be – Design Inspiration For Your Vintage Linens
Do you have vintage linens that you would like to give a new life…tell me about them in the comment section below.
