Saving Vintage Linen Treasures

Have you been fortunate enough to inherit vintage linens?  Those beautiful printed tablecloths, hand stitched table cloths and napkin sets.  If you have some, you are truly fortunate!  So now, what do you do to care for them?  Most of them cannot be handled in the same way you take care of contemporary linens.  You can’t just throw them in the washing machine and dryer without risking damage to the vintage fibers.  If they have been stored in a cedar chest or dresser drawer, you have probably inherited the storage stains to go with them! Don’t panic!  A hot water and Oxyclean soak overnight will most likely take care of these.   Avoid using a dryer if at all possible; line drying is the safest method.  If you are not going to use them immediately, do not iron them.  Make sure they are thoroughly dry and wrap them in a clean cotton sheet or tuck into a cotton pillowcase for storage.  NEVER store in plastic or in any container where they are touching wood. When you are ready to use them, press with a hot dry iron.  You can starch them if you want that crisp look, just don’t iron, starch and store all in one process.  Bugs love the taste of starch!  The one exception that I have found is the old 100% cotton pillowcases.  They seem to be sturdy enough to stand up to our washers and dryers.  Take time to research the care and cleaning of your special linens; they are so worth the effort. The most important thing you can do for them is take them out and use them!  Enjoy those bright retro colors and patterns!

These crisp linen tablecloths add great color to a luncheon table

This sweet tea cloth combines applique and hand embroidery for a cute design!

Sweet clusters of flowers with a tiny hand crocheted trim add class to this simple linen fabric