Help! Salvage emergency!
Our house built in 1860 has burned. In it were several quilts hand quilted by my great great grandmother. They are over 150 years old and did not get direct fire damage but have black smoke/soot damage. I'm sure they'll fall apart in the washer. I've tried pine cleaner soaking and just water hose rinse. Some came out but not all. It gets lighter (slightly) if I rub but I'm afraid to rub too much. The fabric of very fragile. Light weight material and natural batting but i can't tell if it's wool or cotton. Anyone have any ideas?