How to Clean Smoke Tar and Other Stains From Vintage Embroidery Using Oxi Type Product
Woo Woo! I came across this cute vintage owl embroidery at the thrift store, but it is yellowed and stained from spending decades in a smoker's home. There are many different ways to clean vintage textiles; however, I decided a simple and slow cleaning with an oxi type laundry product (mulit-purpose oxygen cleaner) might have a chance of cleaning this crewel needlework.
Cautions:
In general, when cleaning textiles or handwashing vintage fabrics, do not use tradition detergents or soaps that will leave a residue. Do not use Woolite.
Test: Determine what the fabric is composed of - oxi cleaning products can be used on cotton and linen.
Never use an Oxi product in combination with bleach.
Oxi type cleaners must be used with hot / warm water to make them activate, but hot or warm water can cause damage, shrink fabric, and cause dyes to run. If you know for a fact that the materials you are cleaning are syntheses and color safe, then feel free to use warmer water to mix the oxi cleaner. For more fragile or unknown fabrics, use caution and test a unseen spot.
Cautions:
In general, when cleaning textiles or handwashing vintage fabrics, do not use tradition detergents or soaps that will leave a residue. Do not use Woolite.
Test: Determine what the fabric is composed of - oxi cleaning products can be used on cotton and linen.
Never use an Oxi product in combination with bleach.
Oxi type cleaners must be used with hot / warm water to make them activate, but hot or warm water can cause damage, shrink fabric, and cause dyes to run. If you know for a fact that the materials you are cleaning are syntheses and color safe, then feel free to use warmer water to mix the oxi cleaner. For more fragile or unknown fabrics, use caution and test a unseen spot.
First, I identify the most stained spots and start there. Using the sponge, I gently dab some of my oxi / water mixture. I decided to use COLD water and oxi. I activated the
oxi with warm water, but let it sit to cool off before applying to the fabric. Best to test one out of the out-of-the-way areas.
Next, after I allow the test area to dry, I am happy with the results. The colder mixture did work...so I have no reason to use hot water. The test area looks slightly cleaner and less dingy. However, this is a SLOW process. I am not looking for instant clean.
Then, I take the sponge, and with my oxi/water mixture, I gently dab the surface of the fabric. I do not want to soak the fabric or get it too wet. Let the fabric dry.
Repeat. Slow. Do not over clean. And remember to finish by using only water and sponge to remove all of the oxi. I do this last step several time...as if to slowly soak up any of the oix that might remain on the surface.
This embroidery was a cream colored background, so I don't want it super white. This means I need to stop once I've removed the stains. Again, over cleaning can damage the item. I suggest taking days to do this type of cleaning. Let it dry well in between steps.
This wonderful owl embroidery turned out beautiful and was shipped to a customer in Canada. Thank you.
Next, after I allow the test area to dry, I am happy with the results. The colder mixture did work...so I have no reason to use hot water. The test area looks slightly cleaner and less dingy. However, this is a SLOW process. I am not looking for instant clean.
Then, I take the sponge, and with my oxi/water mixture, I gently dab the surface of the fabric. I do not want to soak the fabric or get it too wet. Let the fabric dry.
Repeat. Slow. Do not over clean. And remember to finish by using only water and sponge to remove all of the oxi. I do this last step several time...as if to slowly soak up any of the oix that might remain on the surface.
This embroidery was a cream colored background, so I don't want it super white. This means I need to stop once I've removed the stains. Again, over cleaning can damage the item. I suggest taking days to do this type of cleaning. Let it dry well in between steps.
This wonderful owl embroidery turned out beautiful and was shipped to a customer in Canada. Thank you.
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