Romantic Homes May 2006 Page 11 How to Care for Vintage Linens Proper care of vintage linens will allow you to use them now and in the future. Lori Madrid, of home decor store Lavender Fields, offers these easy steps for laundering and storage, which will help you care for your timeless treasures for many years to come. Linens should not be stored in sunlight and under fluorescent lights which can be damaging to fibers and cause fading.   You should avoid extreme fluctuations of humidity and temperature levels. Avoid storing linens in an attic or basement where temperatures fluctuate too much and mildew may develop.   Store your linens in acid free tissue and avoid storing your linens in ordinary cardboard and paper which will deteriorate textiles if they come in direct contact with them. Avoid folding textiles too much and try to store flat or rolled in acid free paper if possible. If linen must be folded, refold it in a different direction every few months to prevent yellowing at the creases. The cleaning of vintage textiles depends on the fabric. Avoid dry cleaning with harsh chemicals and do not use bleach. Vinegar is an excellent whitener. A paste of vinegar and baking soda helps to remove stains. Oxiclean has proven a best bet on most vintage linens. Never put your vintage linens in a dryer. Use a clothes line or dry flat on a towel.  Avoid starching your linens. Starch can cause yellowing over the years.    Mend vintage textiles to strengthen weak areas.