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How to Whiten Antique Linen and Lace

Antique linen and lace can yellow over time, either in spots or throughout the entire piece of fabric. Harsh cleansers may be too strong for the vintage materials or may discolor the item even more. Experimentation with homemade cleaners may whiten your antique linen and lace items considerably.

Things You'll Need

Dry lawn
Lightweight sheet
Hydrogen peroxide
White vinegar

Instructions

- 1
  Make sure your lawn is dry and free of dirt and chemicals. If you have small children or animals, keep them occupied in a separate area of your yard.
- 2
  Lay the antique linen or lace on the grass when you have a sunny day. Old wives tales sometimes say that vintage clothing will whiten better when placed directly on the grass. Experiment with this theory by placing the linen on a sheet instead of right on the lawn.
- 3
  Leave your antique linen or lace out in the sun for several hours. The sun's rays act as a natural bleaching agent that will not cause the fabric to deteriorate as chemical bleach may.
- 4
  If Steps 1 to 3 don't work, whiten yellowed spots on your vintage fabric with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar. Test an inconspicuous spot first before attempting to whiten with this formula. Dab the yellowed spots with the mixture and allow the linen to dry in the sun.

Antiques