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- Linens should be washed in warm water and gentle detergent with a final cold rinse.
- Bleach may be used which really brightens linens instantly. Antique linens be very cautious using small amounts of bleach and letting soak. Wash as usual after.
- Always use extreme caution when using stain removers and cleaners on vintage and antique material.
- I have used Oxyclean (stain remover) using the following instructions with very good results. Use two (2) ounces Oxyclean for every gallon of hot water. Dissolve Oxyclean then add hanky(ies) that are to be cleaned. Gentle finger agitation by hand for several minutes. Allow to soak overnight. Rinse well. Repeat process if necessary. I used this method on a bonnet that is over 150 years in age and the results were truly amazing. Use extreme caution when using this method as vintage fabrics are fragile. I have now used Oxyclean on many fabrics from new to old all with wonderful results. Make sure that you soak it overnight I had some satin that had a red run through it from another fabric. Letting the ribbons soak literally for several days the red was completely gone and the ribbons looked like new again. I have also used it on some lace trim and this removed the run also. This has become my number one stain remover.
- Red Out: add 2 ounces red out to a gallon of warm water. Let soak 5 minutes, then continue with hand agitation, rinse. Do not use this product on embroidered fabrics and it may damage color and will not be able to be repaired. This product is good for rust stains etc. Do not add other cleaners to this product. Do test soak first. Manufacturer information can be found at iron out.
- Yellow Out. Brighted Use 2 ounces of yellow per gallon of hot water. Allow to soak for 5 minutes. Continue with wash cycle,. Do not add bleach or other cleaner to this product. Do test soak first. Manufacturer information can be found at iron out. Some people still swear by boiling. An antique dealer gave me the following directions. I have not tried this method myself however. Put hankies in large pot of boiling water. Slowly boil for several hours or overnight. In days long gone by this was how stains were usually removed from textiles of all kinds. Launder as usual after.
- Yellow out and Red out can be found at retailers in Canada and United States
- When storing hankies lie flat. If hankies are stored in folded position over time wear will occur. Many a beautiful hanky has been ruined by it being left folded. Laying flat is best method. My storage is in 16" x 16" square drawers. It does take up more room but that is good for these delicate fabrics. Iron when ready to use or follow Jackie Kennedy spreading flat over a mirror after washing. to dry. Result no ironing required.Ladies of all classes chose to wash their handkerchiefs themselves rather than having a maid do it. Steaming also works wonders and you don't have to worry about scorching the delicate fabric. Steam is used on many of the very old hankies in our collection.
Guide created: 02/19/06 (updated 06/04/09)
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