Expert: Bea Harrell - 1/22/2008

Question
I want to unstiffen a doily.  It was made stiff and folded to hold flowers in a fan shape.  How do I get out the glue, or whatever it is, and bring it back to its original touch?  The glue has been in the doily for about 30 years. I soaked it in water and Oxi Clean, but when it dries, it is still stiff.   Thanks

Answer
Hey, Pat!  If it's glue, you might never get it out, but I'm hoping not, if it's been like that for 30 years! I don't recall glue being used back then, so it could just be sugar. The best way to find out, is to put it in a pot, and boil the heck out of it! If it's sugar, it will eventually let go, but if it's glue, it won't have much effect. Stir it about every 10 or 15 minutes for the first hour, then let it boil for another 30/45 minutes. Rinse it in HOT water, swishing it around for a few minutes, or until the water cools. If it's going to let go,it will do so after this treatment. If it worked, but not completely, I'd try the process again.

I hope this helps, and I wish you good luck!!

Bea