I'm certain there are many suggestions for how to get those brownish stains from antique cotton quilts that have been stored in a closet or chest. I'd loved to hear what has worked well, good result but not completely removed and those that absolutely don't work. I've received a couple of tops and would love to get the benefit from the experts! Thanks!

Here's a prior thread about older blocks with lots and lots of suggestions:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-150323-1.htm

I used BIZ and was very happy with the results.

Depending on the condition of your quilt top, you might want to quilt it first, and wash it later. Just saying. ;-)

Try gently rubbing a past of baking soda and warm water on it. I have had pretty good luck with it on antiques.

Retro Clean for vintage textiles.
http://retroclean.com/

Jan in VA

I've used this. It works wonders!

I soak for a few days in all-fabric bleach.

I agree with MTS about quilting first, then cleaning. If you do decide to clean it first, be very very gentle. It can be quite difficult to get a top that has been washed flat enough to quilt, not to mention the fraying of the seams. Most especially if it is hand quilted. Good luck, and I hope you'll show us a picture.

Several people here have posted about successfully cleaning antique quilts with http://www.retroclean.com . I agree with not trying to clean a top before it is quilted, though. If you absolutely *must* clean an unquilted top, it is safest to closely baste the top to a backing fabric first to provide support and keep seams from fraying.