How do I wash antique curtains?
Question:They do not have "care tags" on them. My grandma gave them to me and they are from 1940 imported from Europe. The material feels like a thick lace... any ideas? Does anyone have something similar they could reccomend? I took them to the dry cleaners but at the last minute decided on not... she said it was owners risk they may get torn or lost. They mean to much and could never be replaced to do that. Thanks for any ideas!
Answers:
If they are lace curtains , then I would suggest you wash them in the bath tub, with cold water to start with. Fold them and lay them flat in the tub. leave them to soak for a while. Pull the stopper out and let the water drain away. Then rinse them with the shower. When you wash them add a small amount of soft detergent liquid. when you rinse them add a softener. When you have finished the final rinse, leave them flat in the bath till most of the water has drained away , then hang them outside to dry. Laying them flat stops them being creased so much . and as they are old you have to be very careful with them. Shame I can´t come and help you do them. Hope this helps you a little
Two things:
Wash them in Woolite and line dry, iron while still slightly damp.
Buy a dictionary, you are embarassing grandma with your misspellings.
You can soak them in regular hydrogen peroxide to remove the aged yellowness lace gets. Rinse well and then lay on an absorbent towel and roll it tightly to remove as much water as possible. You shouldn't wring out lace, it can damage the fibers. Then hang back up to dry right on the rods. I always clean my rods before rehanging curtains using a piece of waxed paper and rubbing it along the pole. It will remove any dust that has stuck to them and will also make the fabrics slide on easier.
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