Hi! Welcome back! This is technically part 2 of my how to clean vintage linens blog. Yesterday I shared what I hope is my new secret to cleaning vintage handkerchiefs. Did it work? Come find out with me!
My son and his fiancé are using vintage handkerchiefs at their wedding for “happy tears”. I love this idea! So, in preparation, I ordered a BUNCH of mostly white and off white vintage hankies on eBay. Most of them are in terrific shape, but some of them, not so much. It seems like the ones with the prettiest embroidery or designs got used the most. Not surprising. So, I needed a way to gently clean them without damaging the delicate lace and stitchery. Here is one of the before pictures:
After researching the wonderful internet, I discovered Retro Clean. I purchase it on Amazon for around $15. So yesterday I followed the directions and mixed one gallon of warm water to 4 tablespoons of the Retro Clean and added the handkerchiefs. It says to soak them for up to 48 hours and preferably in the sun. Well, the sun was shining for a bit yesterday but then today it turned to rain. So much for that! Soaking in Retro Clean/water solution:
I decided to see if 24 hours was sufficient time to clean the linens. All but one came completely clean in 24 hours! This stuff is great! I think the one that is still soaking may have gotten sandwiched in between a few others therefore not getting the full effect of the cleaner. So, I rinsed out the container and added a fresh batch of the detergent and warm water and added a few more hankies to the stained one. I’m washing the others on a gentle cycle in my washing machine then ironing them.
As you can see the “mother” handkerchief is a crisp white now and free of stains! Perfect! I’ll repeat this process on all of the hankies and them pack them away until the wedding. They will all be fresh and clean and ready to go! These will be a pretty little keepsake for their guests. I found some men’s handkerchiefs too. I’m sure there will be a few teary eyed men too!
Here are a few more, washed and pressed. So pretty! I love them.
Also, a sneak peek at something I ordered for the engagement party from Beau-Coup. These cute little plastic cups with gold lettering. (Gold is one of their colors). I filled one with milk so you can better see the lettering and detail. I wanted to order the stemless wine glasses and have them personalized, but we really don’t like using glass at the lake house for obvious reasons. These will be a cute substitute. I picture them filled with a nice cold beverage!
Well, there is still MUCH to do. We are searching for the venue for the rehearsal dinner. My son, his fiancé and her parents are busy working on the caterer, photographer and wedding coordinator. So exciting! I’m glad we have so much time still, but you know how fast time flies! Hope you have a great week! Thanks for stopping by! xoxox Dell