BeckyPotter

HI I found one of my GM quilt tops. But it's turned yellow with age . Is there any to get the yellow out???
The background is cream.



Thanks Becky

ptquilts

Try soaking in all-fabric bleach (non-chlorine). Leave it in for a few days if necessary.

sharon b

I have heard good things about Oxi Clean also - just make sure it is diluted

Neesie

Those all-fabric bleaches will also fade colors, if left for too long. I'd be very careful about soaking the quilt in anything, for more than a very short time!

AuntJudy14

Becky,
Here in California at one of our quilt shows they had a booth with examples of older quilts, lace etc whited with their product called "Retro Clean" www.retroclean.com.
I used it on my olde red and white quilt and it did not make the colors run. It even lifted a few off the stains on the back side. Good luck

AuntJudy14

pinecone

I have used a solution of equal parts of Woolite, Biz and Ivory liquid dish soap in hot water. Just let it be for a day if necessary. That being said, I would be cautious of soaking just the top. The seams may fray as they are exposed.

piney

Prism99

I would use the RetroClean on it. However, if it's an unquilted top, I would either quilt it first or baste the top to a backing fabric before soaking. If you are not careful with a quilt top, you can end up with a tangled mess of seams on the back, unexpected shrinkage and distortion, etc. When fabrics are quilted closely to a batting, the batting controls shrinkage. When fabrics are washed alone, they shrink at whatever their individual rates are. Plus, seams can fray.

Lori S

I would advise you to get the top quilted before , trying to remove the yellowing. The seams will be every witch way and pressing it will be a nightmare. I have had some cotton shirts that yellowed a bit just hanging in the closest. ... tossed them into the wash ... and good as new again.

ptquilts

I have had very good results with all fabric bleach which is sodium perborate. Sometimes the same chemical is packaged in a fancy bag and sold at high prices as "Antique linen wash" or some such thing. I have never known it to fade colors. It is made to be used on colors.

I remember an appliqued pansy quilt that I washed for a customer - the background looked like it was tan, it was so grimy. Soaked it and washed it (by hand) and it came out the muslin color it had been originally. The change was so drastic DH thought I had ruined it!!

NJ Quilter

I was going to suggest Biz also. Haven't had the problem myself but have read many good reviews for it for this particular problem. Just make sure you don't put it in the dryer until you are sure all the stains/yellowing have been removed.