Old Textiles

These often need careful handling and specialist information can be sought from a local museum. A basic rule of thumb though is to handle gently with clean hands and keep out of direct sunlight and store flat in a dry place.

Washing is seldom in the best interests of an old textile and can do far more damage than good. Bugs such as moth larvae and the like love to colonise old textiles and this can cause considerable damage. Look carefully at the textile for signs of infestation - dust, holes, or moving things!
If you are in any doubt, carry out the following process to kill off anything that might be lurking:
Put the item in a clean pillowcase and freeze for 24 hours. Then allow it to unfreeze at room temperature for 24 hours before returning it to the freezer for another 24 hours and then repeating the drying process. The first freeze kills off the active bugs and the second kills off any emerging larvae. It’s always best to seek specialist advice if there is a large collection of textiles, or important or old items.


Image: A Victorian silk purse

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