What about pure lemon juice on the brown stains and airing it in the sun for a few hours. Fresh air is the best thing for getting out odors and the juice works as a bleach but is not as harsh.

For stains, Oxyclean is recommended.

I have not had need of this, but just Monday night at guild, a lady had used it for stains on a very old quilt and it cleaned up beautifully. I think she said she could have soaked it for up to 6 hours but only needed 4.

Not much help here as I have not had the problem. I have heard that it isn't wise to store in a wooden chest unless there is protection, like wrapping in a sheet, muslin or tissue. I think good airing is best to get rid of odors.
Jayne

I am very interested in this question -(I hope it is okay to post this here - vicky - if you want me to start a new thread - tell me)
I have a very, very old quilt - Bowtie - all hand sewn & quilted. It was given to me in the early 70's and was said to be an "antique" at that time. I know little about the history except it was made by long deceased family member(s) in Ohio - it was given to me because I was an avid sewer, and my elderly (step) Grandmother wanted to make sure I got it. Unfortunately, I can't remember any other details other than poor & Irish. I cherish this quilt - kept it on a bed for years (just show) until kids and dogs came along. I recently looked at it again - it is very thread bare, faded, has some stains - all were there when I got it-it was well used. I am afraid to clean it, but want to but it on a quest bed again. It is large.
I think I washed it in mild soap (Ivory flakes) in the bath tub - but that was years ago - I am more afraid now. That said, if anyone is going to completely ruin it - It is going to be me - I absolutely have never trusted to send it out for cleaning. Any help you all offer to clean this quilt will be well appreciated.
I have no experience with Oxiclean except to clean my wood deck:)

I took an old quilt to my guild and asked their recommendation and most (after closely looking at it) told me to leave the quilt alone as it could get worse with washing and weaken the already weak threads. So that quilt now is on a quilt rack for display only - with the best area showing.
I do know that quilts should be refolded every so often and stored if possible flat. Some place I read or heard that storing unused quilts on a bed not being used is a good way to keep them. Still they need to be rotated if several are together.
I would be interested on reading what others know on this topic.
Barbara

I was at a quilting workshop this past weekend and one of the tips I picked up was this.To refreshen and brighten up a quilt soak it in a mixture of 1 quart of buttermilk, 1tbsp. of lemon juice and 1 gallon of water.Then wash well in mild soap and air dry. That doesn't sound like much for whole quilt but I guess you could increase it. Has anybody heard of this?

What a great question. I don't have an old quilt, but I have old linens that have stains on them and I've always been too scared to wash them in something really strong for fear they will fall apart. I do wash my new quilts in "Soak" and they come out beautiful. But it's expensive and I was going to research what's the best thing to wash new (or any quilts old or new) in since I'm crazy about quilting now. ~LOL~

Anyway, thanks for another great question Vicki.

Susan

I use my quilts so I spot treat stains and rinse them on gentle the cycle with a color catcher and dry outside in the shade.
I have a full size hand quilted white whole cloth quilt that was awarded a second place ribbon.
I have used it and washed it in the past, but now it is just for display.
On an old quilt I would only spot treat (carefully) and not wash it. I think it would be safer on a bed (not used) than on a quilt rack.
I did read about the buttermilk recipe to clean quilts and I posted it on this forum years ago.
Most of the 'pros' on here advised against using it, the main reason was that the buttermilk may not rinse out entirely and cause more harm to the quilt.
Rosa

I'm glad I checked with "those who know best"! I always wonder about obscure hints like that. Thanks.

I'm sure you all know this already, but just as a reminder....if you are going to store your quilt out in the open, don't put it where any portion of it might get hit with direct sunlight.
Salijo