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I just read your article on vintage linens ("Junk to Jewels," April). My mom taught me a different way to whiten linens, used for centuries in Europe.
The linen was put on the lawn wet, and when it dried, we used a watering can to moisten it again. Another way we used to remove stains and whiten linens or 100 per cent cotton was putting the linens in a large pot of cold water, with a mild soap without colouring or perfume, then bringing it to a boil on the stove. Boil it for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Let it cool in the soapy water, rinse well in clean water and hang to dry in the sun. It works well even on everyday white cotton socks.
