Expert: Angela - 9/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Angela,
Cleaning my mom's basement, I found a beautiful piece of hardanger work that must have been made around 100 years ago by a great grandma or great aunt from Norway.  It is the size of a table runner.  It was neatly rolled on a cardboard tube and is spot free, but has a musty, mildewy odor.  There are no loose threads, no pulls, it's perfect except for slight yellowing and the odor.  Can you tell me how I can safely clean this so I can give it place in my home to display it?  Thank you,  Donna

ANSWER: Hello, Donna :)

You can try the following method to clean this project.

1. In a clean sink, fill it about 1/3 to ½ of the way with cool water; add a small amount of dishwashing liquid.

2. Place project into the water, and gently swish it around to loosen any soiling.  Allow to sit for about 15 minutes.  After 15 minutes, gently swish around again.  If soiling remains, use a clean, brand new tooth brush and gently scrub the soiled areas clean.

3. Rinse the project under cool water until water runs clear.

4. Place project onto a clean, dry towel, and roll project into the towel.  Gently squeeze project to remove any excess water.

5. With an iron preset to 3 (cotton), with steam, place project onto ironing board, and iron on the wrong side to remove the wrinkles.

6. Either lay flat, or hang to dry.

I hope this will help you get the project cleaned safely.  Good luck! :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, Angela.  Before I try this I'm wondering if this will do anything to get rid of the mildewy/musty odor?  I don't want to put it through any more than I have to, so if I can tackle the odor as well as the yellowing in one step I want to do that.
Thank you,
Donna

Answer
Hello, Donna :)

The only thing that I can say is it MIGHT get rid of the odor.  All you can do is try and see.  If it doesn't remove it the first time, try again.  Even try a small amount of Woolite, or similar for fine washables.

Allow it to soak in the water for about 15 minutes and hopefully that remove both the odor and the staining.

I hope that helps.  Good luck, and please feel free to let me know how it goes.

Sincerely,

Angela :)