How to safely remove yellow and brown age stains from all washable vintage fabrics. Leaving your vintage linens with renewed color and vitality.
On one fantastic day, you’re out shopping at your local thrift shop, antique store, or second-hand shop.
You come across the most beautiful table linens or maybe vintage curtains in the bargain bin. Score!
But when you open up that fabulous textile, it has those yellow age spots or, worse yet, iron stains.
What do you do?
Leave it behind, or do you take it home and attempt to clean it?
Retro Clean Cleaning Solution
This winter, I discovered this Retro Clean cleaning solution and have been purchasing it ever since from Amazon.
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
And, oh boy, does it work like a charm!
Now, all the table linens I have been collecting while I’m out Thrifting with the Gals get a good soaking with my new go-to, Retro Clean.
Pro Tip
You may enjoy the post, Valentines Aesthetic: Thrifting and Vintage Finds from when I first picked up these vintage linens.
How to Use Retro Clean
It’s so simple!
Fill a bucket or sink with warm water to cover your vintage linens.
Add 3-4 tablespoons of the Retro Clean powder for each gallon of warm water used.
Soak your washable vintage textiles in the cleaning solution for 48 hours. Then, launder and press.
Follow the directions on the package for further details.
This vintage tablecloth was actually clean within the first 24 hours of soaking, so I went ahead to the next step, washed it on a delicate cycle in the washing machine, and left it to air dry.
Then, the tablecloth was pressed nicely for display.
Just look at how clean and beautiful these vintage linens are today!
Now, I can display my vintage linens beautifully without hiding those ugly, yellow, aged stains.
Pro Tip
You may find more information in this Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design post.
I also recently cleaned some white linen curtains that had been yellowed by the sun.
After 48 hours of soaking in the Retro Clean, they return to their brilliant white selves.
I hope this tip was useful, and here’s to fabulous-looking vintage textiles and linens!
March: In Like a Lion
This winter has been so mild here in Vermont. But I’m starting to think it will be a very snowy spring. Today, we’re predicted to get up to 11″ of snow.
Pro Tip
See more of this sunroom view and my new creative space remodeled in the post, Sunroom Home Office Inspiration: Triple Purposed with Craft Space.
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
I’d love to hear from you! If you have thoughts, questions, or just want to pop in and say hello, feel free to leave a comment below. And if you have a vintage-loving friend, don’t forget to share this post—they might find a little inspiration here too.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at [email protected]
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This is so helpful! Thanks so much for the tip!!
Thanks for stopping by Kristin!
Ty for your Retro Clean tip.. 👍🏻
You’re so welcome. Good luck🙌🏻
I’m very interested and have ordered. Thanks for this tip. My question is did you then launder with your regular detergent or did you use the Retro Wash detergent in addition to the soaking Retro Clean?
Hi Colleen I washed them on a gentle cycle with an organic pod, which is our everyday detergent. There’s not a stain to be found:)
I will be ordering pronto!!! Thank you so much for the link, and the review! Any idea how to remove gel ink (pen) from an off white tablecloth? The pen got rolled up (and washed) after a large family dinner :^(
Blessings,
J
I’m so glad it was helpful. I don’t know, unfortunately. But my first try would be this Retro Clean and let me know if it gets it out. Since it soaks for 48 hours there’s a good chance it will, good luck!
Ann
I can’t wait to try this. I have a recipe that a lady gave me but it calls for biz powder and it is hard to find now. It sounds like this works the same.
It works great Rachel, you should definitely get some and try it out!
Great tip, Ann! I will definitely keep this in mind! Love your pretty blue and white table linens!
Thanks so much Molly!
Excellent tip Ann! I’m ordering some up right now! Thanks, and Happy Saturday!
I’m so glad you like it Barbara, let me know how you make out with it. I’m sold!
I picked up Retro Clean at a quilt shop in Chester, Vermont to use on the precious quilt that my grandmother had made 50 years ago. It worked beautifully!
Wow really? In Chester? That’s so good to know, as it took a while to arrive. Thanks for letting me know!
Definitely going to give the a try. Thanks for the tip!
I’m so glad, you’ll love it Rachel!
Thanks Ann, I am so happy to find something that works. I love old linens with beautiful hand work on them. Pinned it.
This worked beautifully Marlene, I’m more than pleased with the outcome! Have a great weekend!
I am ordering right away. I have an old slipcovered couch that has yellowed from Sun. I am going to try and get it white again! Thanks, Ann!
Thanks Kathy, It has worked so well for me. Let me know how you make out! It’s great stuff!