I agree, the fabrics seem to be maybe some from the 20's, more likely the 30's. I'd try soaking it in a tub, but place a bedsheet in the tub first and use it as a support for the yo-yo top. You may find more of the thread deteriorates, depending on where it was stored. I wouldn't put it in a dryer. My Mom's church group had a very old yo-yo top that they stitched to a dark flannel fabric - that really made the colors "sing" and made it a lot easier to handle and use.