Q: Will the sun harm my
antique/vintage linens?
A: Yes! Absolutely! Without a doubt!
Do not soak them in a bucket in the sun and do not lay them over a
bush, like “grandmother” used to do.
Find complete step-by-step instructions at the bottom of this page.
Q: Does Vintage Textile Soak
dissolve completely when mixed with (tepid) water?
A: No.
Vintage Textile Soak does not dissolve completely. Do not mix with
hot or boiling water. Follow label instructions.
Be sure to rinse item(s) very well following soaking.
Q: What is "tepid" water?
A: Tepid is defined as moderately warm or lukewarm.
Q: How many items can be soaked
using one 10-ounce package of Vintage Textile Soak?
A: Each package of Vintage Textile Soak will make six
“recipes.” Per package directions, a “recipe” is 3 Tbsps. per 1
gallon of tepid water.
Larger items, such as a bed-size quilt, tablecloth, wedding dress,
christening gown, etc., will require more water, and subsequently,
more Vintage Textile Soak.
Q: Can an item be soaked longer
than 4 to 24 hours, as listed on package directions?
A: Yes. We have soaked badly stained items for up
to two weeks!
NOTE: Be sure to change out (dirty) soaking water if it gets
brown enough that you can no longer see your item!
Q: Beside the washer or a plastic
storage, (under-the-bed style) container, any other recommendations
for soaking vessels?
A: Yes. You may use a bath tub, but with caution!
NOTE: if you plan on using your bath tub to soak item(s), BE
ABSOLUTELY certain that after you thoroughly clean the tub, you
rinse, and rinse and rinse and rinse again so there is zero cleaning
chemical residue lingering!
Why is this so important? Because (most) cleaning solutions contain
chlorine.
Chlorine is a bleach! VTS contains zero chlorine. Should there be
some cleaning solution residue remaining in the tub prior to
soaking, could result in bleaching of the soaking item and possibly
permanent damage.
Q: What fabrics can be soaked in
Vintage Textile Soak?
A: Any natural, washable fabric, such as cotton, linen or
silk.
As our package instructions state: check item for color fastness
prior to soaking.
Q: How do I “check” a fabric for
color fastness prior to soaking?
A: Using a damp white cotton washcloth, wrap
washcloth around index finger and, in an inconspicuous area of the
item, press finger for 30 seconds. Check washcloth for any evidence
of color. If none, proceed with Vintage Textile Soak instructions.
CAUTION: If washcloth shows any color, do not wash or soak item.
Color will run.
Q: What is color fastness?
A: Resistance of the “item’s” color to fading or
running.
Q: How do I dry item(s) after
having been soaked in Vintage Textile Soak?
A: Never dry in a clothes dryer! Best practice is to choose
a dry, windy day. Lay a clean sheet on the grass, then place the
item with right-side down on the sheet. Cover with a second sheet.
For each corner of the sheet, place a can of soup in a Ziploc bag to
hold the corner down.
CAUTION: cans must be enclosed in Ziploc bags to avoid rust
stains.
NOTE: Do not do this on freshly cut grass.
Q: Can items be ”spot” treated?
A: Unfortunately, items cannot be spot treated.
DIRECTIONS for soaking items using Vintage Textile Soak:
Check item for color fastness.Mix ratio of 3 Tbsp. Vintage Textile Soak to 1 gallon tepid water in container or washer.
Soak 4-24 hours or as needed.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Dry naturally.
Results vary.
Keep away from children and pets.
