How to Whiten a Veil

By: Melissa J. Bell

Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images

Heirloom hand-me-downs remain hot-ticket trimmings for wedding-day wear, although these bridal bells and whistles rarely leave the storage bin looking ready-to-adorn, no matter their age. Dust, dirt, stains and time's yellowing can make a vintage veil that's seen better times look less than pristine -- but don't let a little laundry puzzle lessen your wedding-day bliss. Freshen up a dull, dingy antique veil or turn a drab-colored veil white with gentle, low-fuss laundering by hand.

Step 1

Place a large, clean white towel onto a flat surface. Lay your veil over the towel and fold the veil corners inward to fit the size of the towel.

Step 2

Cover the veil with a second towel to create a towel sandwich that will help hold the veil steady.

Step 3

Add 1/4 cup of color-safe oxygen-based powder bleach to a small plastic container or cup. Fill the container with hot water and agitate it with a spoon to mix the powder completely.

Step 4

Fill the bathtub with warm water. Pour the contents of the plastic container into the tub and let the bleach solution disperse.

Step 5

Put on a pair of latex gloves to protect your hands and lower the towel sandwich into the bathtub. Submerge the towels fully.

Step 6

Let the towels and veil soak for up to 2 hours. Check the color of the veil once every 30 minutes and remove it from the bath once it has whitened to your liking.

Step 7

Drain the tub and rinse the wet veil and towels under cold running water to remove the bleach. Gently squeeze out excess water, but do not wring or twist the veil.