Expert: Angela - 2/11/2010

Question
I lived in south Fla and started a sampler on navy blue aida several years ago.  In was always in air conditioning.  I took it out a few days ago and saw that there were small grayish shadows that look like climate stains. There is some stitching already on it with DMC.  What is the best way to clean this navy blue cloth.  I looked online and everyone said Oxyclean but I am reluctant to use that on a dark color.  Help!!  donna pearce

Answer
Hello, Donna

My sincerest apologies for not getting back to you until today.  I had no power from midnight Thursday until late Saturday due to heavy snow knocking out the power lines and transformers around our area.

My suggestion is to try this cleaning method for your 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 that helps.  You may need to repeat the process 1 or 2 more times to clean the areas clean.  This is the safest method that I know of to clean projects.  I have never used Oxyclean either, and am not sure what it would do to the fabric and threads, especially specialty threads.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Angela :)