How to Whiten an Antique Crochet Tablecloth

Soap

• Antique cotton crochet should be washed using mild soap. The WorthPoint website recommends that antique linen be washed using powdered oxygen bleach only because liquid bleach eats away at linen with long exposure.

  The Clorox website's "Dr. Laundry" suggests presoaking crocheted table linens in oxygen bleach with a hydrogen peroxide base. An additional presoak might be needed if your results are incomplete the first time.

  The Mademan website suggests washing crochet in mild detergent that is diluted in a gallon of water and mixed with 1/4-cup of white vinegar.

Water

• The Clorox website suggests following the presoak with a wash in warm or even hot water. The Mademan site suggests washing crochet in lukewarm water, while the WorthPoint site suggests prewashing spots with lemon juice and salt before soaking in detergent for up to two days, depending on the severity of the stain. After linens are white, rinse them in clear, warm water.

Method

• Antique crochet is very fragile and stretches easily. Therefore, it should be washed by hand gently, without wringing or twisting the fabric. The tablecloth should also be lifted carefully after washing to avoid stretching, according to the Mademan website. Squeeze out water rather than wringing or twisting the fabric.

Drying

• Place the wet tablecloth carefully on several towels and gently squeeze out excess water. Transfer the tablecloth to several dry towels and pin it in place with clothespins to preserve its shape. However, be careful not to let any metal come in contact with the wet cloth; metal may cause a stain. Place the crocheted tablecloth on a warm, flat surface to dry.