Cleaning vintage lame

That is going to be difficult, but lets hope not impossible. Is it a large area or just a few spots? Is it silver or is it gold lame' or have a color added? If the metal has a dark patina and you try to remove it, the surrounding metallic threads will also be effected and change in color, or the stained area will appear lighter than the surrounding metal threads. I have attempted using lemon juice and salt and lots of care, but it never completely worked for me. I know there are new products out there today, so maybe someone will know of a way.
 
Lemon juice and salt are good for cleaning. But, darkening areas are more likely patina (an actual change in the composition of the metal, on the surface - which, if you remove, you are also taking off an exterior skin, like polishing jewelry), caused by years of sweat or moisture, salt in the skin, air, etc. If you were to treat the entire piece for patina, you are going to lose the years of character and possibly the associated provenance of an older garment. I would personally recommend leaving as is. Since the lurex and other more modern metallic fabrics have been made, it's not difficult to find a shiny one.
 
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