| TEXTILE CONSERVATION
What should you do with grandmother’s wedding dress or grandfather’s baptism bonnet? Passed down from generation to generation, these heirlooms are often forgotten in attics and closets, slowly deteriorating as they wait for someone to remember them.
The proper preservation of these precious artifacts is a mystery to most people. Here are some practical tips for preserving, cleaning, handling, storing and displaying them.
Environment
Fabrics are extremely sensitive to environmental conditions. Many factors can cause them to deteriorate at a faster rate during storage or display. It is therefore essential to pay special attention to conditions in their storage or display area. Here are a fabric’s three worst natural enemies:
- Heat and humidity, which weaken fibres and allow mould to grow.
- Light, if continuous or excessively bright, degrades fabrics and accelerates their decay.
- Insects and rodents cause irreparable damage to fabrics.
It is essential to choose dry, clean, well-ventilated places with minimal temperature fluctuations.
Cleaning
Only clean fabrics if necessary and if their condition permits. Improper cleaning may cause irreparable damage.
Old and new fabrics require different cleaning methods. Old, very fragile materials usually require expert care. It is therefore not advised that you clean them yourself.
What to do
Examine the condition of the item before cleaning. Check colourfastness to avoid any discolouration. Check that fibres and stitches are strong enough to withstand cleaning. Consider the risk of deformation.
When an item’s condition is satisfactory, consider whether it is preferable to opt for dry-cleaning or handwashing in water with soft soap.
Before washing, wash your hands thoroughly to remove all oils. Remove rings and bracelets to avoid snagging on fibres. Prevent accidents by refraining from eating or drinking while cleaning the item.
Handwash weakened or deteriorated fabrics. Use a soft paintbrush and a low-power hand vacuum or a vacuum designed for computer keyboards. Cover the fabric with mosquito netting in order to prevent strands of fibre from being sucked into the vacuum cleaner.
Storage
Store textiles in a clean, dry area shielded from dust and light. Basements and attics are not recommended, as they are often dusty and humid and may be at risk of water leaks that create favourable conditions for mould and insects.
- Store items laid flat in boxes made of acid-free cardboard or polyethylene (plastic) and wrap with acid-free
tissue paper or unbleached cotton. To prevent fabrics from changing, wrap each piece separately.
- Line large pieces with acid-free tissue paper before rolling.
- Hang garments on plastic or padded hangers.
- Avoid cedar cabinets and chests, which have high acidity levels that may damage fabrics and cause them to yellow.
- Keep fabrics in closed spaces sheltered from dust and light.
- Protect clothes with unbleached cotton covers.
- Stop hats from losing their shape by filling them with acid-free tissue paper.
Display
Some textiles are true works of art that can give a home an extra splash of charm and style. But there are some risks involved in putting such items on display, and a few precautions must be taken:
- Avoid placing the item near a window or other source of direct light. Direct light weakens fibres and discolours fabrics.
Keep the light muted by closing blinds and curtains.
- Display items for no more than six months every five years in order to limit light damage to fabrics.
In summary
- Do not use mothballs, which are harmful to health.
- Wrap items in white, acid-free tissue paper; coloured papers discolour easily with humidity and leave indelible stains.
- Protect from dust and light.
- Store in a clean, cool, dry place.
- Avoid metal hangers, which may leave rust stains.
- Remove dust regularly using a low-power hand vacuum.
Bibliography
Web site of the Centre de conservation du Québec (CCQ)
Web site of the Textile Museum of Canada
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