You can find articles about cleaning lace in the Arachne archives. Please
check there.
I want to point out that there are different viewpoints on cleaning lace, and
things to be considered. Clealning old lace will have different considerations
than new lace. Â If you have very delicate and possibly very old lace, you
don't want to use anything that can chemically damage the threads further than
they already are.
Oxyclean is a strong cleaner that I would never use on my old lace. If you
have a new, modern piece made of new, strong thread, it can probably take that
sort of cleaning occasionally -- BUT you should not plan on this lace lasting
100 years as a family heirloom. The bleach components of Ozyclean will
gradually eat into the threads. It should last for many years of use but
will eventually disintegrate.Â
When other methods don't work, and the item will have to be discarded if it
can't get cleaned, then you have nothing to lose using a strong cleaner. If
you have a christening gown that you hope will become a family tradition for
generations, don't use bleach products.
Start your cleaning process with pure water (hopefully with as few chemicals
as possible) and soak the item -- for several days if needed. Change water
as the item soaks off dirt. For tougher dirt, the current recommended
cleaner is Orvus. It has no harsh chemicals. Use a pea-size bit in a pan
of water, soak item as above with occasional gentile agitation of the item to
move the water through it. Then put it through as many rinses as needed
"until you are willing to drink the rinse water". You want to be sure that
no cleaning agents are left in the threads.
Always support wet lace. It is very fragile when wet, especially if old.Â
Spread out flat to air dry. Avoid putting a hot iron on it. Heat can also
damage fragile threads.
Again, I suggest checking the archives. There are some very detailed
messages from experts available for your information.
Alice in Oregon -- off for day 4 of the nine-day county fair duties.Â
Yesterday was the longest day so today should be easier.
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