I got some nice, very old white linen tablecloths at a garage sale need help pls.

**PrairieRose** · 06-11-2006, 10:49 PM

and the banquet size one (the one I really need to use most) has a couple of yellow-ish stains on it. So far I've done the following trying to get them out with some but not complete success. I've saturated them with lemon juice and hung in the sun (this seemed to do the most good), used oxyclean in hot water and soaked over night, used oxyclean spot remover (the spray kind), and my tried and true M30 Dollar General stain remover. The stains are much lighter but still there. Does anyone have any ideas how to remove the stains without damaging the linen? I'm afraid to use bleach but will as a last resort. I've even considered taking them to the dry cleaners but since I paid $5 for 3 tablecloths I hate to pay a huge amount to have them cleaned and pressed. I need to use them for a bridal shower, so I would prefer to get the stains out if at all possible. Suggestions?

**Darlene** · 06-12-2006, 08:34 AM

You've already done what I would have, just wanted to say good for you on your score.

My guess is if they are that faded, after you get the plates and all on the table, nobody will notice.

**miss_thrifty** · 06-12-2006, 09:16 AM

What about baking soda and peroxcide on the satin rub in with toothbrush, rinse throughly.

**homesteadmamma** · 06-12-2006, 09:21 AM

I wouldn't try many more, especially considering you've tried everything you've tried. They are very delicate when they are old. Is there anyway you can place them on a table where you don't see the stain.

btw - great job on finding them. I'm drooling here.

**Early Bird** · 06-12-2006, 09:59 AM

I once took a lacy tablecloth that HAD A HOLE IN IT and arranged the centerpiece to cover the hole!

Could you get a lacy tablecloth to cover the other one? Then the stains will be on the underlayer -- and much less noticable.

**Katybird** · 06-12-2006, 10:14 AM

I don't have any more suggestions on the stain removal but wanted to give you a kudo for the great find. Excellent bargain.

**KatieInLa2** · 06-12-2006, 11:01 AM

Try soaking it overnight in warm water and Biz bleach (color-safe).

http://forums.marthapullen.com/read....17&i=737&t=737

**momma sue** · 06-12-2006, 11:06 AM

If you have dried them in the dryer you may not get any more of the stains out. There are 2 ways that i use, one is ammonia in the washer like you would use bleach. This also will whiten whites that have turned yellow or gray from using bleach in hard water. The other way is to use fels-naptha, scrub into the stain with a VERY soft old tooth brush and wash as directed. good luck.

Sue

**santoria** · 06-12-2006, 12:05 PM

I have no idea but I also have a ton of table cloths that need stain removal....mine are all antiques from my grandmother.

**ohsandohs** · 06-14-2006, 12:07 AM

I use Oxiclean frequently for set-in stains and for whitening yellowed fabrics and I've had much better luck if I use three scoops of Oxiclean in the hottest water your fabric can take and then do a twenty-four hour soak. I've never done this with old linen, but I have used it one old crocheted cotton doilies.

The other treatment that my mom and I use often is a long soak in a BIZ bleach solution. BIZ does the job beautifully and seems to be gentle on fabrics. My mom bleached my christening gown and cap, made of the finest handkerchief linen by using a solution of BIZ and just soaking it. (These garments were about thirty-five years old when she treated them.) Just follow the directions and use the correct temperature of water for your items.

I don't know if I've added anything useful that hasn't already been posted, but this may make you more comfortable with the idea of using BIZ, at least.

Blessings,

Michelle