Stains on vintage quilts
 

I've been dogging estate sales lately, looking for vintage fabric and sewing machines. I've found some really nice vintage quilts, but they are stained. No matter which estate, they appear to have the same kind of stains. It looks like someone was chewing tobacco and dribbled on it. They are kind of random, brown stains. I looked at one today that had several stains smaller than a dime. I've seen them long and thin, like someone spit on it. I don't think they are rust stains as they do not have a reddish hue, but they might be. I'm reluctant to purchase a quilt just to experiment with, as they are usually fairly expensive just for an experiment.

Has anyone had success removing these stains? Anyone know what they might be? Any other brilliant ideas?

bkay

They are usually not tobacco stains but some are water stained, I know Eleanor Burns uses a product to remove stains from vintage quilts but cannot remember what she used. Perhaps if you just do a search you can get the information you need. I also know that she doesn't spend a whole lot of money on the quilts.

there is a product some have raved about, restore i believe the name was. there was a post on this not too long ago.

I would try Retro Clean. https://www.amazon.com/Retro-Clean-1...rds=retroclean

Cindy Needham recommends it for cleaning vintage fabrics.

Restore really works well. The stains may be from storage in a cedar chest--wood oils will seep out of the wood pretty much forever.

I've had good luck with Restore with several quilts and also a VERY nicotine stained crocheted bedspread. You may have to soak, drain water, then re-soak. Just follow the instructions.

Is "Restore" a quilt shop product?

You can get good results with an all-fabric (non-chlorine) bleach. You do need to soak it for a long time.

I use Restoration, which is manufactured in Lancaster, Pa., and specifically for vintage linens.

I see a product called "Restoration" and there is a good price at Harriet Hargraves site:

http://wwwharrietha571.corecommerce....-Soak-p72.html
Also available at Amazon and others.

I use retro clean,and soak the quilt in it for several days...at least 4 or 5.