Removing mystery stains from vintage crochet

by Linnea Lahlum
(Buffalo Grove IL)

closeup of one stain

I am considering buying a vintage ecru crochet tablecloth I found online. I am very interested in this particular piece because it matches some other pieces I have. I am planning to use it as a bed coverlet, not a tablecloth. I have not seen it in person. However, there are stains right in the middle, which would therefore be impossible to hide. I would like to know how to remove them. I know I have done a few small stained pieces I already own, and the stains were very hard to get out without using bleach then having to re-dye them with tea. Even then, there was a trace left. It would be a huge pain if I had to bleach something this big and then try to re-dye it. I would have to do the whole thing, as bleaching really could not be done selectively. For all I know these could be years old, and may be set. They are light to medium brown and could be coffee or tea. I am motivated to do it if it is possible, though.

I tested some small inexpensive pieces I have now, in Biz. I figure whatever stains might be on vintage crochet table linens, are probably much the same type. However, the stains on those did not budge even after soaking for 3 days in a concentrated solution. Next I will try Oxyclean. If I can’t come up with a system that works consistently, I had better pass, even though I WANT this one due to the matching pattern. (RESULT: 12 hours Oxyclean: 1 piece minor light stain, gone: 3 pieces with more serious darker stains similar to the one I want to buy, still there and unchanged.)

Thanks for your help!

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Handmade bedspread by Grandmother from 1920
by: AnonymousVirginia Libue

I inherited the bedspread a few years ago. I can send you pics. I want to sell it. It might be what you're looking for. Virginia Lobue 334 375 -3827
Thank -you

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Removing stains from vintage linens
by: PatsyAnonymous

I too count on laundry pre-treatment sprays and OxyClean soaks to get stains out, but a million or so years ago, I see to remember boiling stained linens to remove stains, and I think it worked, though I don't know why it would've.
Another approach: Let the stained cloth sit for several hours in the sun in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Or, if that doesn't work, a solution of lemon juice and water.
Which reminds me: Lemon juice and sunshine also works on rust stains. You'd think white vinegar would work as well, but I think lemon juice is more reliable. It helps to sprinkle salt on top of the lemon juice; the stain is drawn into the salt.

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Table cloth
by: Anonymous

My old crochet table cloth still has where it was dried on a stretcher. What will happen when I try spot removing and need to wash the whole thing. I’m afraid I will ruin it belonged to my grandmother. And I’m 80 so very old

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Dye darker color?
by: Anonymous

Perhaps you could dye the whole thing a darker color if nothing else works

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Removing stains from tablecloths
by: Anonymous

I met a woman at an estate sale who said to use Oxiclean and blue Dawn liquid and make a paste. Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for several hours. Then rinse thoroughly. If necessary, repeat the process until the stain is gone.

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Stains on Vintage Crochet
by: Sue T.

I soak my vintage crochet in OxyClean. I let it soak a few days then check on the stains. I scrub it gently for a couple of seconds. If it still has stains (should be lighter by now) I put the piece in clean water with OxyClean and soak again.

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Removing stains from crochet
by: Anonymous

Good spray/soaking with Spray 'n Wash. Leave on at least 1 hr, then use your fingernail to sort of scratch it out, then rinse. If stain still there, do it all 2nd time.

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restoration
by: Anonymous

Linnea
Go to the Stitchery.com for a product item T55-229. The cost is 17.99 for a lb jar. It removes coffee, tea and wine stains. It even removes fold lines. I hope that helps you out.

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Eucalyptus ?
by: Lorraine

A very gentle stain loosener that I use is a mixture of eucalyptus oil and water and when I'm desperate, undiluted eucalyptus oil. I let the piece soak in the eucalyptus for approx 1 hour then wash the piece and if necessary, repeat the process. I have two vintage crochet collars and the oil worked a treat in removing stains. I washed the collars afterwards in pure soap.
Good luck

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