Cleaning Madras?

amandainvermont

VFG Member
I couldn't resist this fun pair of madras golf pants (60's?) but wonder if there's anyway I can get rid of rust (?) without going to the dry cleaners. I've shown the worse stain... they don't really show unless you look carefully. Typical "flaw" situation. I know how easily madras "bleeds."

slacks.jpg
slacksrust.jpg
 
In order to use Wink, you have to get the fabric wet, before and after. It is caustic, so you HAVE to wash it out when its done removing the rust.

Is there a reason not to try water washing, fabric-wise, besides bleeding of the dye?
I would think really cold water and thorough rinsing would help, plus getting them out of the wash as soon as the spin stops. A vinegar water rinse should help with the bleed.
Heat sets color (and stain), but wouldn't set the rust, if that is rust. Perhaps a tumble in the hot dryer for a bit first?

....look, another straw to grasp......don't mind me.
 
I'd be afraid of shrinkage with these. Madras shrinks terribly, and with the different fabrics used here, they are likely to shrink at different rates, leaving you with a very irregular mess. And if they're lined, the madras is likely to shrink more than the lining.

Geez, aren't I Miss Susie Sunshine!
 
Those are really cool, Amanda! Somebody posted once about using lava bar soap on rust stains--wet the spot and the soap, and rub the soap into the stain. Let set a while, then rinse. You could probably use a white towel and spot wet & blot the area. I've tried the lava soap on other stains with some success, but I don't think I've ever tried it on rust....
 
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