Expert: Jamie Novak - 7/24/2006

Question
I have a christening gown that is 30 years old and has yellowed.  I would like my Grandson to be Christened in it.  How do I get the yellow out?  It also has some darker yellow spots around the neck could be formula or some other type of stain.
It is a satin type of material.  I have washed it in cold water with bleach and is has lighted a little but still yellow.  My daughter in law would like it to be like new so she can use for my Grandson.  Any Suggestions?  Thank you so much.
Becky

Answer
Hi Becky,
Thank you for asking me. This is not my area of expertise however I did some research and have a few ideas.

Personally I like to take things like this to the dry cleaners since they tend to know what product gets out which stain.

But here are a five different home rememdies that have worked for my clients:

1. OXY Clean

2. Wisk with a bit of bleach and then hang the items in the sun.

3. If you mix together in very hot water the following:
1 cup powdered dishwasher detergent
1 cup powdered bleach
1 cup Calgon water softening powder.

Stir until powders seem to be mostly dissolved. Soak items few hours or overnight. Wring out and wash as usual. I`ve even removed stains on whites that were "set" by the dryer.

4. Rit Dye Remover whitens white shirts and blouses, even those which have been bleached and turned yellow because if poly content.

5. Try soaking the shirts in a solution of one cup powdered dishwasher detergent and two gallons of lukewarm water. Mix well, dissolving all the powder before you soak the shirt. Soak overnight, or even longer.

Best of luck to you and best wishes to your Grandson on his special day, God Bless, Jamie

PS Please stop by my website at www.JamieNovak.com and you can see me on HGTV's Mission Organization on Aug. 14th and 19th

PPS I am hosting a free call in to talk abotu clutter and time management on FREE call with Jamie!  Thursday Aug. 10th
9pm EST 45 minutes Details on the website.