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Dark Stains on Old Quilt

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 6:11 am
by julyquilter56
I recently found an old quilt top that has some dark brown stains in several areas on the quilt top. It is a "bible" quilt and was even dated by the quilter "Ada, November 1929". I have tried soaking it in Oxi Clean and mild detergent, but no luck....
Anyone have any ideas...
Susan

Re: Dark Stains on Old Quilt

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 6:24 am
by CaroleJ
Wonder what the stains are....marks from a cardboard box? Coffee? Old blood? Many have recommended Grandma's Secret Stain Remover for spot treating. Whatever you use, I'd be gentle and not rub much, if at all.

OxyClean is my old reliable, too, but sometimes all it does is lighten a stain. Wonder if you could use a more concentrated solution of OxyClean powder, directly on the stain...then let it sit a while...test on a corner first, though, to make sure it's safe.

Re: Dark Stains on Old Quilt

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:19 am
by sewbug
Lemon juice works great and won't harm the fabric. It will be better to wait for a bright sunny day and let the sun boost the power of the lemon juice.

Re: Dark Stains on Old Quilt

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 2:38 am
by Mamafitz62
Try using straight hydrogen peroxide. Test on a corner first. Lay towels under the area, then gently pat with cotton balls soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Nurses use it to remove blood stains from their uniforms and I have used it to remove completely red wine stains. Do not leave on for very long. Once the stain is gone use clean dry towels and then pat with clear water. The stains should come out or be almost gone. Lemon juice acts like a bleach so be very careful.

Re: Dark Stains on Old Quilt

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 2:43 pm
by auntjana
I have used the Grandma's Secret Spot remover - it took out pink highlighter that my sweet grandson drew all over the Star of Bethlehem quilt I made for my mother many years ago. It also took out some unknown brown spots that appeared on the quilt while it was in storage. It works great for me -

Re: Dark Stains on Old Quilt

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 2:55 pm
by girl
I like to use a bar soap (ivory) rub gently, let set, wash on gentle cycle. Wish all goes well.

Re: Dark Stains on Old Quilt

Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:43 pm
by mayauntie
I know you said you used Oxi-Clean but did you let it soak for at least 24 hours. I use Oxi-Clean my washing machine and cold water. Rub some Oxi-on the wet stains,add apropriate amount of Oxi- to the washer and let the quilt soak for at least 24 hours then rinse and wash normal.Use a gentle cycle. That usually works on all my vintage quilts. I just bought a vintage applique summer quilt for $1.50 at an estate sale.It was a mess with mold and lots of brown.I couldn't even stand the smell and had to plastic bag it until I could soak it. It came out great for being from the early 20's,not white but not stained.
May