How to Properly Clean and Maintain Your Antique Tapestry

If you have antique tapestry you probably consider it to be very valuable. Proper care and maintenance should be important to you. Depending on the age of the tapestry, there are several things that you can do to preserve it.

Repair

Most old antique tapestries have flaws and holes. The most successful way to repair it is to replace worn warps and to reweave the weft threads. An easier method is to attach a patch to the back and darn the hole. One drawback to this is that the patch is likely to shrink or pull if the tapestry is washed.

Cleaning

Due to the fact that tapestry is mounted on a wall it should not have to endure the same abuse as your carpet or upholstered seating. Therefore it should require much less maintenance. Vacuuming the front and back of your tapestry once or twice per year, with your vacuum upholstery attachment, should be sufficient maintenance for most.

However, if you feel you need to clean your tapestry, You should have it professionally dry cleaned if it is very old and valuable. There are some tapestries that can be washed at home using a mild soap and warm water. However, you should not take any chances with tapestry that is very valuable to you.

Storage

Tapestry is a textile and it is subject to fading as any textile might. Decades may pass before any noticeable fading occurs In some environments. Antique tapestries tend to be faded and washed out, and many consumers may actually find that their new tapestry’s appearance improves with a little aging. Some people will even pay extra to have them washed or tea stained. However If you wish to minimize fading, avoid hanging your tapestry in direct sunlight. Also you should avoid keeping your tapestry in a moist atmosphere which can cause deterioration of fibers and cause colors to fade.

When your tapestry is not being displayed, it is imperative that it be stored properly.Tapestry can be stored in a clean, unpainted natural wicker basket with a cover. This will allow the tapestry to get good ventilation as well as protecting it from dirt and dust. The tapestry should be carefully folded inside white tissue paper and then placed in something without any sharp or jagged edges that could rip or tear the item.

Another option is to use a cardboard box with tiny air holes. The paper used needs to be acid free to ensure that the tapestry is not damaged. Also, before storing your tapestry it is best to have professionally dry cleaned.

Source by Victor Epand