TEXTILE CONSERVATION HINTS from Sue Studebaker

Do

1.   Test for bleeding of dye with a blotter or Q-tip                             
2.   Vacuum with the tube covered with screen or hose
3.   Prepare bath

• Mild detergent
• Water ( No hotter than 100 degrees)
• Enclose small items in netting or screening bag
• Lower textile into tub; gently press into water; soak until water becomes dirty
• Drain water from tub; gently press textile on bottom of tub to remove excess water
• Lift textile out of tub
• Fill tub with rinse water; continue to use method above lowering water temperature with each rinse until water is clear. Distilled water preferred

4.   Some fragile textiles might require a sponge bath rather than emersion.

• Water temperature 80-90 degrees
• Sponge detergent solution into textile with mild pressure
• Sponge rinse
• A soft baby brush may be used for problem spots

5.   Lift textile from tub onto terry towel and roll into towel to remove excess water
6.   Spread on a table; put several card tables together for large textiles.
​7.    Let piece dry in the shade outside
8.   Ideal storage for textiles is flat on acid free paper
9.   Ideal storage for quilts is rolled onto acid free tube with acid-free paper between layers
10. If framing, use acid-free paper behind textile and have spacer between textile and glass on                front

​Do NOT

1. Never use washing Machines or dryer
2. Never wring a textile to dry
3. Never let water run onto textiles
4. Never pour detergent onto textiles
5. Never handle textiles with jewelry or long nails, use gloves
6. Never use a wire or stiff brush
7. Never soak in dirty water(this will redistribute soil into fabrics)
8. Never hang a textile(even a small one) to dry
9. Never display by hanging directly using fibers (casing on rods)
10. Never store textiles with mildew, mold, stains or pests. Clean and treat first
11. Never store textiles in wooden chest or drawer without first wrapping in muslin
12. Never leave a textile folded in one position longer than 6 months. A one or two day airing is also recommended. Wash muslin wrapping at this time
13. Never store in high humidity conditions such as attics, basements, etc.
14. Never display textile in direct light (artificial or natural) for long periods
15. If framing, use acid-free paper behind textile and have spacer between textile and glass on front
16. Never fold quilt the same way for long periods of time
    
17. Never display or store in over-heated conditions