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Yellowing on handkerchiefs?

Ed13

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I just received some linen handkerchiefs I purchased on Ebay. They are quite old (possibly 40's) and appear to have yellowing from the acid in their original boxes. I was wondering what is the best way to clean them?

Some have hand rolled edges and others have dyed coloured stripes and I don't want to damage them. I thought about dry cleaning but was worried the hand rolled edges would be pressed flat.

Any suggestions are appreciated.
 

Manton

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I thought about dry cleaning but was worried the hand rolled edges would be pressed flat.
They almost certainly will be. You could try a really good (i.e., expensive) dry cleaner, and explain to them exactly how you want them pressed. Let them try just one and see how it turns out.
 

globetrotter

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I have to say that I am not sure how happy I would be to buy old handkerchiefs. I get the feeling that they are a little too personal for that....
 

Ed13

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The handkerchiefs are all still new in original boxes with pins and paper. The reason they are yellowed is just due to age. The boxes and styles of handkerchiefs appear to be 40's and possibly 50's for a couple of packages. I purchased them because I have had a hard time finding linen pocket squares with any kind of pattern. At times I would like to wear linen but with a little more flair than just plain white.
 

stripes22

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Wouldn't good old blueing work? I'm sure one can still find it in the detergent aisle of grocery stores. A few drops--read the bottle.--in the wash and they should be white again. (I'm guessing, I don't know for a fact).
 

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