Good idea. That would be my advise.

Fabric treasures!

Me, too. Was given a 30's top to quilt but have to wash it so I can iron it before quilting. Was thinking of the Woolite solution also.

I just came across some very dirty doll clothes made from old feed sacks. My solution is to soak them in Biz and cold water for a couple of hours-proportions as listed on the box. Then rinse again in cold water. If they still need cleaning do another soak, but now that the dirt has been soaked out it can soak for a longer period of time, ie overnight. After a final rinse in cold water, let them air dry and should be ready to use.

Dianne, what sweet blocks!! I've washed a lot of old blocks and tops.
I would wash them before using them. That way you can see exactly what condition they are in. I would soak them though, not the washer. Oxyclean is good stuff.
Let us know what you do!

I would hand wash them in a mild detergent and let them dry
naturally. I would not put them in a washing machine, even on the delicate cycle, nor would I put them in a dryer. Putting a stabilizer or some lining fabric on the back of the block might help to anchor it and make it stronger.

Good luck with them. (P.S. Something forty years old is not
old.) LOL

Yes I have soaked with Oxyclean as well. Another product to use is Orvus--the gentle soap to wash quilts in. Originally sold as livestock shampoo used for getting ready for exhibitions and fairs. All products mentioned should not harm the fibers of your blocks. Good luck!

Wash by hand in sink with gental soap, pushing on them no twisting !!!lay on towel to pat dry, iron on very low heat just to get the wrinkles out and frame them all !!! Wall quilt !!!! Several gifts !!!!

Several months ago Martha Pullen spoke about how she cleans those antique clothes she collects. It involved having a bucket that she let them soak in and if I remember correctly she used Biz. As many colors as there seem to be, you will need to consider that some might "run" and separate them. Before sewing together I would soak them to remove the stains and then gently rinse until the water is clear. Then using either either spray starch or sizing I would press them. Remember that the spray starch would need to be washed out after the quilt is finished because moths like starch.

when I found my Grannie's Sunbonnet Sue blocks they HAD to be washed! They're about the same age as yours. I washed them by hand in the sink with ivory soap then rolled them up in a towel to get extra water out. They came amazingly clean and it didn't hurt them. I've put quite a few of them into quilts now and they're holding up well despite their age.