How to Clean Brown Stains on an Antique White Dress
- 1). Lay a white cotton towel on a flat surface. Place the antique white dress on top of the towel with the brown stain facing up.
- 2). Rub a prewash stain treatment directly on the brown stain. Let the treatment soak into the stain for 15 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, mix 2 tbsp. liquid dish soap, 3 tbsp. white vinegar and 1 qt. warm water. Dip a cloth in the mixture and rub it into the stain for several minutes before blotting the area dry with a towel.
- 3). Fill a sink, tub or large bucket big enough to hold the white dress with warm water. Add 1/4 cup gentle laundry detergent and 1/2 cup chlorine bleach. Alternatively, replace chlorine bleach with oxygen bleach for a safer alternative.
- 4). Mix the contents together with a wooden spoon. Submerge the antique white dress into the mixture. Use your hands to agitate the water and dress, mimicking the motion of a washing machine. Continue in this manner for several minutes.
- 5). Drain the water and gently squeeze -- do not twist -- the dress to remove excess liquid. Lay the dress on top of a thick cotton towel. Roll the dress up in the towel to help remove any remaining water. Air-dry the antique dress away from direct heat and out of direct sunlight.
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