How can I clean a 60 year old yellowed silk and net christening gown?
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Use 1/2 to 1 cup of bleach, a bit of detergent and enough water to cover the dress. Dry in the sun.
Years ago I saw a lady on TV who washed old linens and wedding dresses in A polite. Let it soak a while, gently squeeze it, rinse and air dry. If it's a personal heirloom, I would seek professional advice.
Hi,
I would wash in cool water with some shampoo that is very gentle. When you are ready to rinse, then put 3 tablespoons of vinegar (white) in the water. The vinegar serves two purposes: It removed soap and also it fluffs up the material.
If you are unsure of how the garment will turn out, I would have it professionally cleaned.
Blessings,
Robyn
If the piece is sentimental, which it sounds like it may be, I would have it professionally cleaned. It may cost more, but you have the best chance of a good outcome.
Silk is a really hard fabric to clean when it is new, let alone old and yellowed. It does not respond well with water...which often leaves spots and wrinkles that do not come out.
If it was cotton, you could make a homemade oxi clean recipe, but I think that would cause silk to disintegrate.
Post back what you decide. I hope you find a good, safe, and reasonable solution. Blessings!
Silk cannot be cleaned with just any old product (and chlorine bleach is a no-no) and vintage silk and net may fall apart when cleaned so I would agree with others to seek professional help first.
If you take this to a professional cleaners then I would suggest you ask to speak to the person who will be doing the actual cleaning and try to get their opinion on how well this gown can survive a cleaning.
They will most likely not guarantee that it will turn out okay but doing this puts a kinda "personal" touch with your gown and the cleaner may take special care of your item.
I have cleaned silk using a little vinegar and salt/baking soda in warm water and soaking overnight (no rubbing/twisting/squeezing).
Here is a good link for doing this but I used a little more white vinegar and added baking soda in place of water softener. If you try this at home, you must be very gentle with this item.
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