White clothes who turned yellow due to aging

[pionier]

Guys, I have a serious question...

We often see white clothes (like kriegsmarine klapphose etc) who turned yellow. Looking a bit like someone pied there pants and left as is for years.

Now... Is this yellow substance in white clothing (cotton) removable?

I heard many good words of a product called 'Echfa Wit, Biotex' (Maybe sold under an other name outside Holland). But will this work on clothes 70+ years old who aged all those years? Or is dry-cleaning the only solution (or isnt there a solution?).

Other things wich I heard of are: Soda, Baking powder, whole Milk...

If someone can give me tips or has found a good product, willing to share there story, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks for the help!

[WW2Pacific]

I think many of the techniques might by temporary and might actually hurt the cloth fibers?

great question though, maybe someone knows?

[Paul R.]

I think many of the techniques might by temporary and might actually hurt the cloth fibers?

great question though, maybe someone knows?

Yes many of these methods can damage your item, or worst yet cause your items to glow under black lighting. There has been a lot of controversy with dry cleaning methods that cause further problems. However there are dry cleaners that also specialize in historic artifacts working along with museums and conservators.

There are a few such dry cleaners here in the states, and a few overseas that specialize in stains like yellowing, blood, and rust. A few museums that I work and consult with use these dry cleaning companies who specialize in artifact cleaning.

There is another method and that is hand washing your items using a natural soap called Orvis. Orvis is PH natural and will not harm your items, or whiten them. I use this soap on many of my own items and at museums that I work at and dose a great job. However this is a slow process and requires good work space.

As a museum conservator myself. I would suggest research these methods out yourself. You may want to conduct a WAF site search on cleaning methods and draw your own conclusions.

[Rob83]

Well if you want my opinion on the matter I would say just leave it as it is. If there is one thing my socks have taught me it is that white cloth just doesnt stay white forever.

But in all seriousness I would leave it as is. These are historical items we are talking about so I would simply advise against cleaning it and think more about future preservation.