Any Ideas on How to Clean This Old Stewart-Warner TV Banner?

[blackstone]

I would not expect to return this advertising banner to excellent condition. I would just like to remove as much dirt and stainage as possible, without destroying the fabric or printing. I am satisfied with leaving as is, but if anyone has any ideas on cleaning, I would appreciate it.

 

[wayupnorth]

I wonder if just soaking it in Oxyclean would take the dirt out. I have successfully done that in the past and nothing was ruined. This is a cloth banner, right?

 

[olivia_davis]

If these spots are fat, then it cleans well a mixture of pure alcohol with gasoline about 10: 1 and let dry. Then wash it by hand with something like Vanish Oxi

 

[spiralator60]

Cleaning Fabrics With Gasoline

This is something that many of us are not comfortable recommending, even though in the past it was not an uncommon practice to clean items in such a manner.

There is always the issue of fire or explosion, as well as the danger of being overcome by fumes (especially with such a mixture), even in a well ventilated area.

It would be much better and safer to take the item to a professional dry cleaner instead, if there are concerns about laundering it at home by hand or machine.

 

[spiralator60]

Cleaning Fabrics With Gasoline and Pure Alcohol

Many of us here recognize that, in the past, this was not an uncommon manner of cleaning fabrics with various stains at home.

However, this method is not something that many of us recommend doing because of the dangers present. First, there is the issue of fire and explosion associated with such volatile substances. Next, there is the danger of the user being overcome by fumes, even in a well-ventilated area.

It would be better to take this item to a professional dry cleaner for evaluation and handling, especially if there are concerns about it being old or fragile.

 

[spiralator60]

Cleaning Fabrics With Gasoline and Pure Alcohol

Many of us here recognize that, in the past, this was not an uncommon manner of cleaning fabrics with various stains at home.

However, this method is not something that many of us recommend doing because of the dangers present. First, there is the issue of fire and explosion associated with such volatile substances. Next, there is the danger of the user being overcome by fumes, even in a well-ventilated area.

It would be better to take this item to a professional dry cleaner for evaluation and handling, especially if there are concerns about it being old or fragile.

 

[launderess]

Look up textile restoration services in your area

Or, you may have to send it by post to a place in an other state.

Dry cleaning or some sort of non water process is probably best because you have no idea about stability of inks, dyes, fabric, etc...

 

[blackstone]

The material is woven, probably some type of polyester, judging by the feel of it. No label. I highly doubt that the stains are organic.

Just wondering if dry cleaning would damage the printing. Would the dry cleaning process have to be done to the entire banner, or could the process be localized to just the worst areas?

 

[jamiel]

This pre-dates polyester...I'd bet it's a screen printed rayon. Kind of the same fabric as an academic gown. You would need to patch-test the printing before daring to do anything.

 

[blackstone]

Before and After

I just used dish detergent and laundry detergent, total of 5 applications, using a clean rag to concentrate on the worst spots. Removed most of the stains, and did not affect the printing. I'm satisfied.

 

[goatfarmer]

Looks great!

 

[thomasortega]

Cleaning with gasoline...

Well, I grew up with my mom on her knees rubbing the wood floors with gasoline to remove wax...

Do I need to mention she used to do that with a cigarette hanging on her lips? LOL

By the way, she never exploded. Hahaha

But yes, it's incredible how people would risk their lives in the past only to have a pristine wood plank floor.

What about "hand washing" my father's suits in a basin full of benzine? (and again, a cigarette hanging on her lips.

Or worse... child slavery! My sisters, brother and I being forced to polish that floor with a super heavy cast iron "polisher". And when we did something wrong.... our time out was polishing the silverware with Brasso.
I hate Brasso until today.

We also had to use a metal brush that looks almost like a barbecue grill cleaning brush to "comb" the carpet. My mom would never admit vacuum cleaner marks on the carpet.

All that in a 3000 square meters house that looked more like a Pilkington-Blindex show room. Six sleep-in maids, 3 housekeepers (not sleep in), my mom, 5 kids and the cleaning company that came twice a month weren't enough. We were always with that "bucket" face and my mom's hair was always looking like an old broom.

Indeed, looking back I can see how we were horribly naive and how we played with our own safety.

Good thing is, we all survived all those dangers and I know how delicious it is what is grab a mug, pour 2 tablespoons of powder chocolate and go get the milk ...STRAIGHT FROM THE COW TO THE MUG! It tasted so much better than that white liquid that comes in a jug and people nowadays call milk. Add to the list climbing a tree holding a sharp knife only to eat oranges, starfruit, guavas straight from the tree and yes, I also drank water straight from a garden hose.

And yes, we survived (luckily) and reached the age of detergent capsules and egg boxes with a "Warning: Contains eggs" sign. LOL

 

[neptunebob]

I would think that the banner should survive dry cleaning, why not have your dry cleaner take a look at it?