If the quilt is really precious, and not modern, this probably isn't a good thing to do.  The stains might fade, but so might the rest of the quilt!  Sunlight isn't great for fabric.  If the quilt is worth it, she could consult a conservator and see if washing the quilt gently with Orvis might work - I guess if the quilt is sturdy enough to stand being wet-washed twice, a third time might not kill it completely, but you never know!  Sometimes the difficulty of removing a stain means that even if it's ugly, it's better for it to just stay rather than hurt the rest of the quilt while trying to clean it.  A professional conservator's judgement would probably be the best thing.

Genevieve Ellerbee
Associate Registrar
DAR Museum
Washington, DC
202.628.1776 x 331


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kimberly Kenney, Curator [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Monday, March 03, 2003 1:41 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      removing iron stains from fabric...
> 
> 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
> 

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