We are frequently asked about how to care for the vintage linens we sell. Here are some tips we have gleamed over the years. Some or all may work for your "new" vintage linens!

Most vintage linens were made to endure heavy use and can usually stand up to a good washing. Any laundry soap and gentle cycle in the washer will work. Food stains and "grid lines" along fold marks are the most common stains on vintage linens. There are a variety of ways to remove stains or brighten dingy vintage linens. Some or all of these may work for you. Always test a corner of the fabric for colorfastness before using these methods on the entire piece.

Brightening & Stain Removal
* Add bleach, vinegar or lemon juice to the water.
* Use Biz or OxiClean to wash them, spot clean stains or soak the entire piece overnight.
* Soak them overnight in a salt water solution (1/2 cup sea salt to 1 gallon water).
* Pour lemon juice through wet linens and sprinkle generously with salt, then place in the sun for several hours to remove stains.
* Spread linens on the grass in the sun to brighten them (chlorophyll in the grass acts as a natural brightener).
* Hang on a clothes line on sunny days to brighten whites and bleach yellow stains.

Storage
* Store in a well ventilated closet with lavender bouquets or satchets to repel moths.
* Roll them, rather than fold them to prevent weakening seams, grid lines and creases. Plus no ironing!

Usage
* Most importantly, use those wonderful linens you just bought! Enjoy the pleasures of a coloful vintage tablecloth, apron or pillow cover everyday!
* Even damaged vintage linens can have a second life made into slipcovers, pillowcovers, sachets, quilt blocks, childrens toy and clothes.