How do I clean yellow discoloring from old fabrics?

Question

My daughter Christening is comming up in September, and my mother gave me the gown that I wore to mine, and that my Grandmother hand made. I assume the fabric is cotton. It was made in 1984 so it's delicate and old. It has some yellow discoloring, that my mom said were not on it when she stored it, so I dont know what they are. Probably just normal aging. I dont expect it to come fully clean but I would like to get as much out as possible. If anyone knows what I would be very grateful.

Answer 1

With something so special I would contact your local dry cleaner.

Answer 2

Very carefully. I'd use 1/2 cup of lemon juice in the wash and I'd hang it out in the sun to dry for further bleaching but I wouldn't use cholrine bleach - it could just eat the fabric.

Answer 3

If it is cotton, just soak a couple of hours in DISHWASHER detergent. The yellowing is probably caused by old stains that can reappear.

Answer 4

i have heard good things about oxiclean.

and i have a few delicate whites i'm going to try it on myself.

check it out:  http://www.oxiclean.com/default2.asp

oxiclean baby sounds good to me : )

good luck!