Best method for cleaning cream flannel?

[thunderw21]

Have a pair of vintage cream flannel trousers that have small brown spots on the cuffs. Don't know what they are for sure but I assume they're either dirt or bug stains.


I've come up with 3 possible ways to clean them:

1. Most plausible is dry cleaning though I'm a little worried what it might do to the flannel. Would dry cleaning be safe for vintage cream flannel trousers while removing the stains?

2. Hand wash in lukewarm water with laundry detergent. The only problem I have with this is the possibility that the trousers could shrink when left to air dry.

3. Oxiclean the trou, though this would have the same problem as method #2. Also, the instructions state not to use Oxiclean on wools and similar fabrics. Now, I've read in older threads of people using Oxiclean on old suits with great success. Is there anything wrong with using Oxiclean on vintage flannel?


What, in your opinion, would be the best route to clean these? Are there any other methods of cleaning that you can think of?

 

[Miss Sis]

DO NOT USE OXICLEAN ON WOOL.

Now I have your attention, it breaks down the fibres and you may end up with holes and an unwearable pair of trousers. It makes the fabric 'crunchy' and brittle so is only an absolute last resort on things that might otherwise be completely unwearable.

Dry cleaning often won't remove stains. Go for handwashing in tepid water. If you can get hold of it, use borax added to the water and soak gently for at least a few hours or overnight. Borax is great for helping to remove stains from wool as it is very gentle but draws out dirt. I have had alot of luck with it. Make sure your rinse water is the same temperature as that you washed at. Then you shouldn't have a problem with shrinkage. I never have.

I washed a vintage pair of cream flannels with great success a few years ago using Vanish liquid that is safe for wool and silk (not sure if this is available in the US but it is in a bright pink bottle here in the UK). Got rid of ancient grass stains, no problem, and the trousers looked like new.

 

[thunderw21]

Thanks, Miss Sis. Those were the answers I was looking for.

 

[Miss Sis]

Good luck!

 

[reetpleat]

If they are just on the cuff, and they seem clean enough otherwise, consider just washing and rinsing, soaking, whatever just the cuffs. That way yo udon't have to worry about shrinkage, pressing etc.

Also, might try a bit of spot remover such as engine on it. It is basically dry cleaning solution I guess. Take a rag and blot the spots and see if they lighten or come out.

Also, the is a carpet cleaning product I love. It is called Folex. It can be found at some stores.

You spray it on and the stains can vanish. Sometimes it takes multiple sprayings. I have used it on unknown spots, blood, and other stuff. Doesn't work on everything and I can not promise it will not harm the fabric, although I have never had a problem. I have no idea where the stain goes or how it is possible as it is not rinsed out. It just dissapears.

It sometimes will leave a ring on certain fabrics such as linings, satin silk etc. In that case you can either feather it or do the whole garment, lining etc. But on flannel, it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[thunderw21]

Thanks reetpleat. Hadn't heard of the carpet cleaner trick before.

Unfortunately, while most of the spots are down near the cuff there are some up higher as well. And only on one leg.

Though I'm cautious when cleaning just part of the garment because afterward it might not match the rest of the piece.


Later today I'm going to handwash the trousers in tepid water with some Era laundry soap. I've had good results with Era on vintage ties so hopefully it'll work on these. If not I'll try some of the methods mentioned above.


Here's what they look like before cleaning.

 

[thunderw21]

Well, come to find out, sometimes the simplest technique is also the most effective.

Before I tried washing these trousers I took some water and elbow grease to it. To my surprise all of the stains came out with water and some light scrubbing. Now they're good as new.

Thanks for the cleaning advice, though, I hope others can put it to good use!