The best way to protect your handmade crocheted doilies, Angels or tablecloths when you display them is never place them in direct sunlight, this will eventually cause bleaching and fading from the sun. Be careful that what is placed on top of your crochet will not snag and tear it.
You want your hand crocheted purchases to last for years and become your family heirlooms so follow this advice. Doilies can be laundered by hand, using a mild detergent and cool water. BLEACH is an absolute NO-NO! Or liquid laundry soap with bleach or even with colorsafe bleach is also a NO-NO! Never twist or wring the piece when squeezing out excess water. It is best to lay them in a color safe towel, then roll the towel around the item to remove the excess water. Shape according to the original design and allow to dry.
Long term storage is very important to keep your doilies, tablecloths and Angels in their best condition. Make sure your handmade crocheted doilies, tablecloths or flat Angels are clean before storing. Fold and place in a box or drawer wrapped in clean linen. Moth balls or sachets are recommended for storing these items over a length of time. Do not do this with your Molded or sculpted crocheted items.
The best way to store Molded/sculpted handmade crocheted Angels, boxes or any permanently stiffened items is as follows. Place the items in a box with lightweight clean linen wrapped around the piece. Never use plastic wrap as this will cause yellowing. Store items upright and without crowding.
The best way to protect Molded/Sculpted that are permanetly shaped with a commercial stiffener is in a dust free area away from drafts and direct sunlight. Usually a curio is best. To dust Molded/Sculpted items is to use a soft bristled brush very gently to brush away any dust.
