Cleaning
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Cleaning
Cleaning procedures should be limited to hand washing, soaking and line drying only. Machine washing and drying is not recommended. Soaking and hand washing should be conducted in large basins and recommend that cold to lukewarm water be used. Do not try to clean too many items at once. This will reduce stress and strain incurred by the item and facilitate rinsing [most crucial step].
An overnight soak in cold water should start the process. Following the soak, drain the basin and fill again with cool water and a gentle liquid detergent [Woolite works well]. Rubbing the fabric harshly must always be avoided. It is advised to swish the linens around in soapy water. Following the soaking, drain the soapy water and rinse three times in cool water [spring water if your water supply has minerals or other contaminates]. Gently pat to remove some of the excess water, do not ring or handle in a harsh manner, let it drip! Hang dry on an outside line. If an outside line is not available, a drying rack in a well ventilated area will work. Some items benefit greatly from exposure to sunshine, some age marks and light stains are faded or completely removed by exposing to sunshine.
The above advice should be adjusted slightly for brightly colored fabrics, or wools and linens with colored embroidery. Test a small section for color fastness.
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