Pour a little pure, clear alcohol into a china bowl, or other deep vessel that can be covered to prevent evaporation, into which place the lace to be cleaned. Leave it some time, till the dirt has softened and settled at the bottom. Then, with perfectly clean fingers, rub the lace gently in the liquid till all the stains have disappeared. If they do not come out let it soak longer. After rubbing squeeze the lace as dry as possible. Take one piece at a time while damp and pull it out with the fingers, picking out the edge very carefully with the nails. It should be damp while handling it. When the meshes are all opened lay the lace between the leaves of a book, and press it till entirely dry, taking care to fold it in and out among the leaves, so as not to crease it. If the lace is very much soiled rub it gently in soapsuds before using the alcohol. In such cases do not rinse it. Black lace can be beautifully renovated this way.