Do not use woolite it will glow like a full moon. I have seen too many WWII items washed in woolite only to have them glowing. I would not use any sort of bleach on any old historic fabric. Old fabric is too delicate to use any amount of bleach. Even a teaspoon or more per 1/2 gallon of water is to strong. Vinegar can work but stains usually appear even a small amout of vinegar can cause staining like John said what happened to his item.
In my conservation work Orvis paste soap is what I use for any historic fabric washing (by hand only). This product along with the sodium perborate grainuals work great on older fabric. Orvis soap is PH neutral and can be safely used in old fabric washing (by hand only) A small amount 1/2 teaspoon will wash you item safely. Use cool water to wash. Rinse thoroughly using cool water for several minutes and towel damp dry. Careful not to stretch you wet item or twist your item to get water out. Blot you item and air dry only.
Paul
In my conservation work Orvis paste soap is what I use for any historic fabric washing (by hand only). This product along with the sodium perborate grainuals work great on older fabric. Orvis soap is PH neutral and can be safely used in old fabric washing (by hand only) A small amount 1/2 teaspoon will wash you item safely. Use cool water to wash. Rinse thoroughly using cool water for several minutes and towel damp dry. Careful not to stretch you wet item or twist your item to get water out. Blot you item and air dry only.
Paul
Comment