HELP! Spit-up stains on a silk Baptismal gown

ARGH. The gown that Mads and Eliza wore (and TJ will wear) was made by my mother out of her wedding gown. It's an ivory color, made of silk and lace, and it's almost 40 years old.

When Eliza wore it (~18 months ago) she spit up on it. I had THOUGHT I'd gotten it all cleaned at the time. Apparently not. I just pulled the gown out of the box it's been in and there are 2 yellow stains on the lace bodice.

PLEASE tell me there is a way to clean these stains?

Re: HELP! Spit-up stains on a silk Baptismal gown

I cleaned some old cotton dresses of MINE with oxy clean but I don't know about putting that on silk and getting it wet. Silk usually has to be dry cleaned. Have you tried a dry cleaner and see what they say? Or a bridal shop etc?

Re: HELP! Spit-up stains on a silk Baptismal gown

Re: HELP! Spit-up stains on a silk Baptismal gown

see if you can find a cleaners that specializes in bridal/formal wear- i knwo ther is one near me. maybe try calling a local bridal store and see if they can recommend someone?

Re: HELP! Spit-up stains on a silk Baptismal gown

I assume you can't machine wash it?
I had spit up stains all over the play mat miranda used and I spray and washed it and they came out after sitting for probably 3 years.

Re: HELP! Spit-up stains on a silk Baptismal gown

is there a way to get under the lace to protect from the silk beneath? All of the google searches I just did on cleaning antique lace recommended a product called Biz Stain Fighter. So, in theory, if you can lift up the lace and pad it underneath to protect the fabric, you could clean the lace separately. You might also want to just gently try a shout wipe against the stains; rubbing the spots gently with the wipe might be just enough to get out the stains.

Re: HELP! Spit-up stains on a silk Baptismal gown

Posted by Porrruss

Posted by Blissful

I cleaned some old cotton dresses of MINE with oxy clean but I don't know about putting that on silk and getting it wet. Silk usually has to be dry cleaned. Have you tried a dry cleaner and see what they say? Or a bridal shop etc?

I took it to a cleaner yesterday and they wouldn't touch it. I am so upset I let this happen.

Re: HELP! Spit-up stains on a silk Baptismal gown

i cleaned mine with oxy clean - it is over 30 years old and crocheted - it worked well - i tested on a bib - i soaked it for about 2 hours

Message edited 10/17/2010 9:09:27 PM.

Re: HELP! Spit-up stains on a silk Baptismal gown

Is it machine or hand washable? If so, try soaking it in oxy clean. That stuff works wonders! Follow the directions on the box...