September 2019
I read your message about cleaning linens, but I am not sure if this is a modification for cleaning old hankies. They aren’t yellowed, but have small stains here and there that I want to try to remove. Some have colored crochet, so I am concerned about dunking the whole hanky. Any suggestions?
– Rebecca
Rebecca’s letter reminded me that I have a box of hankies to launder, too . . .
Old hankies definitely fall into the “vintage linens” category! I’m glad you want to return yours to pristine condition if possible. Before I answer your question, it would be helpful to see the stains, especially since you say the hankies aren’t yellowed. I’m not sure if we’re taking about typical storage/oxidation stains, rust stains, or something else. (Close-up/flash off works best.)
As for the colored crochet, I’ve successfully laundered many such hankies with no issues whatsoever. However, when you send the pics, I’ll confirm that I think it’s do-able. Just want to be sure I give you my best advice!
I’ll look forward to seeing your pretties!
Rebecca, thanks for sending the pics. As I suspected, most of the stains look like basic “storage” stains caused by oxidation. They should be easy to remove. 😀HERE is a link to a post I did about cleaning such stains and what product I recommend. I’ve cleaned hundreds of vintage hankies like yours, and I honestly have no concerns about the colored crochet trims; even when using super hot water, I’ve never had any problems with hankies of this age.
Once they’re clean, you can air dry (or iron when damp). For tips about ironing embroidered linens, check out my How to Care for Vintage Linens & Lace series. IF, however, there are any stains left after laundering, I suggest you just air dry those hankies then send me more pics.
Otherwise, send me some “after” pics, and I’ll share them in October during my reader letters series. Good luck!
And here they are . . .
These pics represent the beauty of Rebecca’s clean hankies.
Of her 22 hankies, 20 came clean on the first try; only 3 still had small stains that didn’t come out—yet! I suspect at least one of those stains is rust, and I talk about removing rust stains HERE.
Do you have vintage linens hiding out in the bottom dresser drawer that need to be pulled out and enjoyed?
It’s really easier than you may think to return those vintage pretties to their pristine condition, especially when you wash and iron them as carefully as Rebecca obviously did.
Nicely done, Rebecca!
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