A while ago, I was reading on one of my favorite blogs (Susan Branch, Millie) about using old fashioned liquid bleach on linens. I decided then and there to try it out. I remembered my mother using it, and then ironing the damp fabrics. It was a trial and error for me.
I first collected all the vintage doilies, and linens I have all around the house. This is NOT by any stretch all of them!
I then ordered the bleach from Amazon. They still make the same old stuff....who knew?
Next I washed all the linens and line dried them to get out the yellowed/rust spots and make them smell sooo good! There is nothing like UV rays for whitening and brightening. Then I brought them all in and slowly soaked them in a mix of 1 part water to 2-3 parts starch. Back out to the line to dry again. I tried bringing them in damp to iron, but it didn't really work, so I let them dry again. Only this time they were STIFF.
But the ironing was easier and they came out lovely, slightly stiff, crisp and white, and they stay that way! Now ironing is not my favorite domestic chore, but somehow ironing vintage tablecloths, aprons, clothes, doilies and runners is more fun and rewarding.
Here are a few, line dried, and waiting for the iron.
I am now in the process of cleaning the linen closet, putting some out for display, and the rest nestled in their closet.
It feels like Grandma's house around here, but I don't care because I LOVE vintage linens. (But it was a lot of work!) A rewarding household project, completed.
1 comment:
Wow, that was a big project! The pictures are so cool and I love that you shared how to do it!
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