Cleaning Old Lace

[tearinghair]

Not sure if this is the right place for this question, but here goes...
Rooting through a chest of drawers in a vain attempt to do some spring cleaning, I found an old Christening robe dating from the 1930s. The lace is quite badly stained brown with age. Is there any point in having it dry-cleaned, or is there something I could use to wash it in to get rid of the stains? I don't want it to fall to pieces, but if it could be cleaned up it would be quite attractive. It has a Bairnswear label in, so probably not very expensive originally.

[albaqwerty]

found this TH, but I've no idea what Biz is

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-antique-lace/

[mrs_overall]

If the lace is fragile, have it professionally cleaned.

Otherwise, you can soak it for around 15 minutes in lukewarm water and a gentle cleansing product, such as a product for cleaning woollens
DO NOT rub, just swish around gently.
Dry it flat on a white towel

[tearinghair]

Many thanks, both of you. It's obviously excellent advice, as the link and mrs O both say the same! The lace looks fairly sturdy, so I'll have a go - if I can find out what Biz is...

[albaqwerty]

as I feared, it's a U.S. product.
http://www.bizstainfighter.com/

Would something gentle like Fairy Snow work?

[mrs_overall]

I have never heard of Biz. Try Woolite or similar, but NOT anything biological

[tamborine]

Blue spec detergent in cold water, swish garment - leave for an hour then drip dry

[tearinghair]

Thanks, everyone. I tried soaking as suggested and it's worked well.