What should I do to keep bleach from rotting old lace?

Name: Sue

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Country or region: Long Island, NY, USA

Message: I bleached some old lace (maybe 50 year old lace) and then I read that you never do this - the bleach eventually rots the lace. I am uncertain about the amounts of things. And, is it too late to do anything about the bleach now? Thank you.

I think it would be a good idea to soak the lace in a chemical that will neutralize any remaining hypochlorite from the bleach. The most convenient one to use is hydrogen peroxide, the 3% dilution that is sold at the pharmacy for use as an antiseptic. Soak the lace in the peroxide (straight or diluted with a quart or two of water) for ten minutes or so, then rinse and wash as usual.

If you happen to have Anti-Chlor (sodium metabisulfite, used in brewing wine and beer at home) or Bleach Stop (sodium thiosulfate), those work very well for this purpose, too. Peroxide is just as good and is easier to obtain locally in a hurry. I do not recommend the use of an acid, such as vinegar.

For more information, please see my page, "How can I neutralize the damaging effects of chlorine bleach?".

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Posted: Sunday - June 05, 2011 at 08:46 AM

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What should I do to keep bleach from rotting old lace?

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