Ms. Kenney, Your query was referred to me by our Information specialist, Ann
N'Gadi. Here are some notes for your telephone caller. 1) what looks like
iron may be 'foxing' and not iron, although also difficult to remove. 2)
true iron stains are not removed by washing. 3) reagents for removing iron
stains can damage either the dye or the fiber beneath the stain 4) fresh
stains on a modern quilt should be taken to a competent drycleaner with a
stain specialist (trained). 5) antique quilts can be treated by a textile
conservator familiar with stain removal methods or by a specialty drycleaner
familiar with issues pertaining to aged fabrics. 6) Lemon juice is a mild
acid but contains components besides citric acid, that will leave residues.
It is not an especially effective stain remover for iron. 7) In the sun, you
would be setting up an acidified bleach bath. Sun-light bleaching does
lighten stains--and does fade dyes, but iron stains are oxidized already. If
they are lightened by this treatment, it probably wasn't iron (see #1). 8)
Bleaching also tenders (weakens) fibers--prematurely ages them. 9) The best
treatment is the one that affects only the stain--not the dyes or fabric; so
#4 or #5 would be the most succinct recommendation.
Sincerely yours, Mary Ballard, Senior Textiles Conservator, SCMRE
>>> [log in to unmask] 03/03/03 01:41PM >>>
Hello all,
I recieved a plea for assistance on the phone from a
woman who would like to remove iron stains from a
family heirloom quilt. She has washed it twice, and
the stains remain.
She heard that putting lemon juice on it and setting
it in the sun would help. She wondered if that was
safe.
Has anyone heard of that, or have a better idea for
her?
Thanks,
Kim Kenney
=====
Kimberly A. Kenney, Curator
McKinley Museum
800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW
Canton OH 44708
330-455-7043
"STATE OF EIGHT" opens March 7
History Day March 8 -- Bridal Show April 12
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