Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Wanted Wednesday - Stain Removal Tips

If you follow me on Instagram then you have already seen my sweet new collection of vintage dresses.  A super generous and cool family member was cleaning out his mother's house and said I could come look at the "donate pile" before it went out.  More on that sweet little haul later!  He also had some of her clothes, shoes and purses that he wanted to sell.  I took a look and came back with a few beauties.  I would have also  had a new vintage shoe collection if her feet had been just a bit bigger.  CURSE you giant feet!  
Anyway, one of the dresses he gave to me because it was stained.  
We took these last night in cruddy light when I got home so I used an Instagram filter to fancy up the photo.  This one fits the best out of all four dresses.  The darts (I think that's what they are called) are a little strange for one who isn't used to them, but otherwise I really like it.  Imagine it with a red petticoat underneath...vintage heaven!  
It's pretty dang stained in a few places and yucky in the underarm area.  So here's my question:  How do I safely get rid of the stains?  Am I going to ruin the dress trying to clean it?  Any tips and suggestions would be hugely appreciated.  Danavee suggested soaking in Woolite.
What other little laundry miracles do you guys have hidden up your sleeves?!



9 comments:

  1. A paste of baking soda & peroxide has always worked really well for me. I wouldn't think it would harm your fabric either.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I wonder how a soak in Oxy Clean or Biz would work? Works wonders on my vintage tablecloths!

    ~Erica

    ReplyDelete
  3. When I clean really stained vintage linens I get out a big ol' pot that I only use for cleaning vintage linens, then I boil up a bunch of water, and last I add the oxy once it's boiling. I turn off the heat and then put the linen in. Let sit overnight until cool. Rinse in tub, etc, and then lay flat/hang to dry. This has worked WONDERS on some linens that I thought were lost forever... especially the ones with those nasty brown rust stains.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have to echo the Oxyclean sentiments. Seriously works magic. It has to be warm to hot, though, but it should be fine to soak for as long as you need to let it go. I've bought many vintage gloves for mere pennies because they were stained, but a quick soak in oxyclean made them look brand new. And if those pitters don't come clean, just cover em up with a cardigan.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Just agreeing with the Oxy. I won't go into further detail since others already have.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I use Oxyclean on my tablecloths too, so I'd give that a try first! Darling dress--the cut & stripes are really flattering on you! PS I bought a vintage red petticoat off Etsy a few years ago :) Can't wait to see the other goodies you scored!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gorgeous dress!! Will have to try this oxy again, tried it before looong ago and it didn't seem to help me but shall try again. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dawn dishwashing soap, hydrogen peroxide, and a little baking soda. It worked to get my stained and disgusting chef coats pretty much spotless again, so it might work on that cute dress!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I usually use Oxyclean as well, but have always heard amazing things about Biz -- but I've never been able to find it. I used to use something that I swear was called Vintage Linen Soak and came in a little floral bag -- it really worked on stained linens, but I just googled it and I can't find it now. And here's a link that has a recommendation specifically for underarm stains:
    http://www.ebay.com/gds/Removing-Common-Stains-from-Vintage-Clothing-amp-Textiles-/10000000003837863/g.html

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by! Your advice, tips and comments are sincerely appreciated!!! I need all the help I can get...