I have inherited some 80-120 yr old (white) linen/cotton goods?

Question

Crocheted, tatted, laces, "table scarves", "antimacassars", etc.

Some are stained simply by being folded and stored for long times. Some have tea stains, etc.

Is there a gentle yet effective way of making these whiter now?

Thanks.

(I believe my grandmother made many of these, so they're precious to me now)

Answer 1

How lucky are you! If you can get any Shannon Lush written books [she is the Queen of Clean] I'm sure you will have the answer to a tee. Try online and at the library and book stores. She really is the ONLY one I would recommend to solve your dilemma.  Good Luck.

Answer 2

I would try oxyclean in a sink of warm water.  That should whiten them up nicely.  Don't try to launder them in the machine.  Just unfold the items and swish them a bit in the sink.  You can let them sit for a few hours to get the maximum effect.  Rinse them thoroughly in cool water and do not ring them out.  Press them between clean towels to absorb the water and then lay them flat to dry.  

You might have to "block" them back into shape, which just means to gently stretch them and reshape them.  You can carefully pin them to your ironing board or a towel to dry.

If you need to iron them, just use a low-med iron with light steam.

Answer 3

Wash gently in a mild detergent.  Rinse well and hang on a clothes line in the sun.  The sun will "bleach" the stains out.  Now, you might have to leave them out for a few days, but it does work and it's easier on the fabric than chemical bleaches.  

If you need to iron after washing, use a medium heat with steam, mist the item with water a few minutes before ironing and use a pressing cloth over any delicate lace or embroidery.  If you are going to store the items, I would hesitate to use starch as that sometimes adds to the yellowing problem.  Store in zip lock bags with as much air pushed out as possible.