quilting librarian

Hiya - I have a question about cleaning some musty and stained quilt squares made by my husband's great grandmother. Any good recommendations? I just dug them out of her steamer chest yesterday, which had been in storage. Thanks, Teresa

earthwalker

What a lovely legacy....you don't say what you are going to do with them and without knowing what the fabric is it is hard to give advice.

You may try contacting a museum or finding a site on the internet for advice with cleaning the fabric. It would help to have an idea of what the stains are....spills...rust...mildew...etc. as each will need different treatment. I have cleaned a lot of vintage fabrics, lace and embroidery with a good success rate. Firstly decide what you will be doing with them, secondly identify the stains and thirdly be really really gentle....no washing machine or dryer...and no rubbing or wringing, gentle swishing and roll up in a towel to remove excess moisture. I always dry old linens and pieces flat on a white/cream towel in sunlight but not on really scorching days. Old stain removal methods are excellent...I have used soured milk, lemon juice and various other old fashioned potions along with pure gentle soap. Old fabric requires old fashioned care.

Let us know what you decide....and good luck. Oh and if you are framing them, endeavour to have them cleaned first (I wouldn't dryclean...too harsh and make sure the framers use acid free products....and don't hang in direct light it contributes to rot and fading. Sorry for going on a bit....I tend to ramble...

quilting librarian

Thank you for rambling! The more information, the better! You answer questions I didn't know I had...
Teresa

Tippy

I love lemon juice for removing rust stains especially...BUT..... you really have to rinse thoroughly and I've even used a touch of baking soda in rinse water to make sure lemon juice is neutralized. It is an acid.

quilting librarian

OK, thanks!