Vintage Linens

We love linens. Sixty year old sheets have a much more luxurious feel than brand new ones; vintage table cloths from the '40's and '50's have so much more character than their modern counterparts; even vintage dish cloths seem to work better. But it's like striking gold if you find any vintage linen that is stain free. Even a tablecloth or sheet that was never used is likely to have developed age stains. Here are some tips for caring for your vintage linens:

If you have a sturdier linen, such as a retro table cloth or an old chenille bedspread, here's how we do it: Soak the item in bleach water for a few hours, and if you feel like the item can handle it, run it through the washing machine.

If you have a more delicate piece, like lace or crochet work, soak it for a few hours in lemon water.

Don't put your vintage linens in the dryer. Wait for a sunny day, and lay them out to dry on the grass. Not only is it better for the linens than tumble drying, but the photosynthesis process in the grass helps get out any stains that are left behind.