Is it possible to clean this?

[Addler]

I'm pregnant with my first child and my DM sent me the shawl I had as a newborn as a surprise. After sobbing on a bench outside the post office I noticed it's got a few small stains/dirty marks on it.

Is there any way to clean it without damaging it? I think it's handmade by my Nanna. I'd like to clean it if I can but terrified of damaging it, it looks very delicate!

Is it wool? If yes, gentle hand-wash or wool cycle on your machine. Dry flat, outside in the sunshine.

Get some hand soap and gently massage it into the stains. Let it's soak for a bit, then gently massage again. A gentle rinse and see if they have shifted. You may need to let it dry to see if the stain lifted. I would repeat this gentle process rather than turn to harsh chemicals or the washing machine for something as delicate or sentimental as this...

V gentle wash with delicate soap, and leave to dry in the sun. Sun gets out nearly every stain!

Ime palmolive white soap lather is amazing!

Thank you! I'll give it a go tomorrow and hopefully won't ruin it!

@addler it looks exactly like the shawl my mum knitted for my son in 1986. She always said there was a limited number of shawl patterns around. I hope you manage to get rid of the stains with one of the methods suggested. I put mine on a delicate machine wash recently and it was fine. If yours is definitely pure wool you will need a wool programme. Why not ask your mum how she washed it?

@gingergiraffe they're lovely aren't they? This is a picture of me and my sister with it, I think the one I've got is on the bottom and the one on top is one made for my older brother.

I knit and crochet, do not put that in the washing machine!!!!

I'd wash a heavy crochet blanket in a pillowcase, but depending what's it's made of it could shrink.

I knit and crochet and to be 100% safe I'd buy some eucalan wash (easily available on Amazon) and hand wash, either dry flat or peg on the line. Or you another delicate hand wash solution.

I am also a knitter and would not put it in the washing machine.

Hand wash in tepid water and dry flat. Eucalan is lovely, otherwise ecover delicates liquid.

Hi Addler. I loved reading your post - I'm not surprised that you became emotional. What a lovely surprise for you. I still have my christening robe & my shawl (my Nana knitted mine too)! I remember my Mum telling me that she had washed my shawl in Lux flakes. She then laid it on towels on her bed, stretching it gently back into shape, as it dried. I am 54 now, so I don't actually know if you can still buy the Lux flakes. However, there have been a lot of good suggestions here. I'm sure you will get the marks out. Good luck with your wee baby.