washing trim

[Auryn]

Hello all,
I trust you had a lovely yule/Christmas/Hanukah.

Last week I purchased a LOT of trim- by a lot I mean a 20gl bin full including one roll of embroidered trim that is at least 150 yds long probably more.

A lot of this trim had been in storage for a long time so it kinda smells.

How do I wash it??
A lot of it is white or ivory but I also have many yds of colored.

I did a search in the forum but didn't find much.

I will be posting pics of the trim soon as I will be looking to sell some of it- the one that I have 100+yds of for example.

[Anna Iram]

I'm glad you started this thread. I've been meaning to ask a similar question. How to keep colored trim from running onto a gown when washed? I'm thinking someone once said to wash trim in vinegar water? That would set the color and help with any odor? I'm not sure about this though....

Looking forward to seeing the hoard Auryn. 

[Master James]

Not sure about the vinegar water but I've used regular washing machine soap in a tub and simply stir it up and then let it set for about 15 minutes.  Then I put it in a tub of plain water and let it sit there for about 15 minutes, then I string it out and let it air dry.  Not sure if that will get any smell out but it will prevent the colors in the trim from running in the rain.  Learned that one the hard way when I had the trim I used for button loops bleed all over my chemise in the rain once. 

[gem]

I'd do pretty much what James suggested.  If you're concerned that some of the trim might be fragile, go to a local quilt shop (or horse supplier) and ask for Orvus; it's a gentle soap designed to wash horses but beloved by needleworkers for its magical textile-washing prowess.

[LadyShadow]

Vinegar water is good for getting smells out of clothes.  But I am unsure as to how it would do on trim.  I've washed some of my trim in woolite before to help although I couldnt tell you if there was a difference between washing it in that or regular laundry detergent.

[bmgjarvis]

If you are not sure, cut off a 2 inch piece and try it. Better to lose 2 inches than a whole piece.

[Auryn]

I knew you guys were the right bunch to ask

So I'm thinking hand washing in a tub with woolite and then "fixing" with those color fixers they sell in the fabric dye isle should be good.

I will def do test pieces first

[Kate XXXXXX]

Sew your sample of trim top a sample of the fabric and launder as you wish to treat the final garment.

I think the things you are looking fir are 'colour catchers'.  They grab any loose dye.  Unless the dye in the fabric hasn't been fixed in any way and you know what it is and therefore which mordant to use, 'fixing' dyes in commercial fabric is at best a hit and miss affair, and usually useless.  Just try to stop any unfixed dye staining other items with the colour catcher.