Laundering Victorian Lace

[tinpotLizzie]

I have some beatiful pieces if cotton lace, some of it quite thick, that was made by my Great Grandmother a hundred years ago. A lot are edgings for pillowcases but there are tray and table cloths too, all never used!
Though they have been kept in bags, most pieces are badly discoloured, yellowish, and need laundering. Does anyone have experience re: old fabrics? Can you please advise on what to use? Washing soda & Lux soapflakes have been suggested but I would really value second opinions please.......... Thanking you in anticipation.......

[woofgang]

you can wash it yourself using something like woolite or stergene and very cool water, just lay the lace in and agitate very very gently. The big thing is not to let the weight of the water tear the lace when lifting it out so line the washing container with an old sheet or towel and let all the water drain away then lift the whole thing out to drain. You can lie a a dry towel over the while thing and press carefully t get more of the water out, dry flat of course and out of sunlight. If the lace or plain fabric is crumbling or tears like paper when dry then it won't stand washing, and some lace is meant to be yellow.
If the things are very precious to you then get advice and quotes from a specialised antique textiles cleaner. Unfold all items before washing. When they are dry, the best way to store then is rolled around acid free card or paper tubes. If you have to fold things, interleave them with well washed plain white towels before folding to prevent sharp crease.

[woofgang]

PS, a hundred years ago is 1911, so not victorian !!

[tinpotLizzie]

Many thanks Woolfgang. I will follow your advice & very carefully handwash.
I had meant to say "over a hundred years ago" as my g.g.Grandmother had her lacemaking phase in 1890's.
Anyway, thank you again.