How to Care for Antique Lace

Cleaning

• 1

  Fill a shallow bucket with 2 teaspoons of non-chlorine bleach and warm water. Stir slightly to fully mix the bleach.

• 2

  Place the piece in the bucket with the lace on top.

• 3

  Soak for one hour.

• 4

  Remove the lace piece from the bucket and place it in a clean sink. Turn water on so that it is directly hitting the lace, thereby rinsing it out.

• 5

  Continue rinsing until the water is clear. The rinsing process can take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the lace.

• 6

  Dry antique lace by wrapping the lace piece inside a dry towel to support it. The lace may tear or stretch if left to dry without support.

• 7

  Spread the towel and the lace onto a flat surface and hold the edges of the lace down with sturdy glasses. The weight will keep the lace from curling as it dries. Once the lace piece is dry, you can store it again.

Storage

• 8

  Wrap the lace in unbleached muslin. You can also use acid-free tissue paper but muslin is best.

• 9

  Place the wrapped lace in a box.

• 10

  Store in a place where it won’t be damaged by rodents, insects or water. An attic or basement is a poor storage facility since it is susceptible to these problems.