Handling

• Wash your hands before handling textiles. Avoid using hand lotions or perfumes when handling historic textiles. Do not wear jewelry, which can snag and catch on fabrics.
  
• Support textiles when moving them, using a piece of cardboard underneath a clean sheet or tissue paper. An alternative method is to use the sheet as a sling, with a person holding each end.
  

Exposure to light leads to fading and embrittlement of textile fibers. The ultraviolet (UV) component of the spectrum is the most damaging.

• Display textiles away from direct sunlight, in areas such as hallways.
  
• Rotate textiles on display or refold them to vary the sections exposed to light.
  
• Draw shades or curtains during the day when you are not at home, and when the sun is strongest.
  
• Work with a contractor to have UV-filtering film applied to windows.
  
• Frame textiles using UV-filtering glass or UV-filtering acrylic.
  

Wide variations in humidity and temperature can stress fibers and lead to fiber fracture. Extreme humidity leads to mold growth. High temperatures can accelerate degradation.

• Store textiles in the main part of your home, out of unfinished basements and attics.
  
• Purchase dehumidifiers for damp areas. Some types of dehumidifiers drain to the outside or empty into an inside drain through a connector hose.
  
• If you find active mold on a historic textile, isolate it to prevent the transfer of spores to other objects. Consult a conservator for help with subsequent steps.
  

Housekeeping

Regular removal of debris from around the house will reduce the presence of airborne dust and grazing insect pests. Insects such as moths and carpet beetles can wreak havoc on your collection and may be very difficult to eradicate if allowed to spread throughout the house.

• Check closets and storage boxes seasonally for signs of insect infestation.
  
• Vacuum often.
  
• Textiles in good condition can be vacuumed using a soft, clean brush attachment at the end of the hose. Vacuum through Teflon-covered fiberglass screening (available at hardware stores), with the cut edges bound in washed twill tape. Or place cheesecloth or nylon net over the end of the hose before replacing the brush attachment. When vacuuming a textile, use a series of lifting and resting motions rather than dragging the brush over the surface.
  
• Not all fragile textiles can be safely vacuumed. If in doubt, consult a conservator.
  

Storage

The storage format (boxed or hanging) should be selected with the nature of the textile in mind. Be aware that most woods and some types of paper products contain acids that can migrate into textiles, causing discoloration and embrittlement. Acid-free storage boxes and tissue can be obtained from various sources; call the museum to obtain a list of suppliers.

• Do not place textiles in direct contact with wood, such as in cedar chests or on wooden hangers.
  
• Do not use wire hangers; polystyrene hangers are acceptable. Consult a conservator for information on creating padded hangers.
  
• Garments with fragile shoulder seams or heavy beadwork should not be hung on any type of hanger. Rather, they should be stored in boxes.
  
• Do not store textiles in plastic dry-cleaning bags.
  

Display

When having textiles framed, request that acid-free materials be used. Embroideries should be framed using spacers, so that the glass is not in direct contact with the textile. Quilts and other flat textiles in good condition may be displayed using hanging sleeves or Velcro. Consult a conservator to determine if such methods are appropriate for your textiles.

Disasters

If you encounter waterlogged textiles, remember that they will be heavier and more vulnerable to damage. Be sure to provide support when moving them (see Handling). If possible, rinse them to remove silt and dirt and move them to an area where they can be dried. Consult a conservator for assistance.

Extreme fire and water damage to textiles is often irreversible. However, it is sometimes possible to reduce the appearance of soot and other aftereffects of disasters. Commercial restoration companies often use ozone in salvaging fire-damaged items. The use of ozone on historic textiles is not recommended.

References

The American Institute of Conservation's Web site, http://aic.stanford.edu/, has printable versions of its pamphlet series on caring for family treasures. The site also provides assistance in finding a conservator.

The Web site of the Textile Museum in Washington, D.C., gives excellent advice on hanging quilts in good condition. Visit http://www.textilemuseum.org/care/care.htm.

When making plans to preserve your wedding gown, review the information at http://www.weddinggownspecialists.com.

Landrey, Gregory J., ed. The Winterthur Guide to Caring for Your Collection. Winterthur, DE: Henry Francis Du Pont Winterthur Museum, 2000.

Long, Jane S., and Richard W. Long. Caring for Your Family Treasures. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 2000.

Mailand, Harold F., and Dorothy Stites Alig. Preserving Textiles: A Guide for the Nonspecialist. Indianapolis, IN: Indianapolis Museum of Art, 1999.

For further assistance

The North Carolina Museum of History's textile conservator is available by appointment for consultations regarding specific textile artifacts. Call 919-807-7860 or e-mail anne.g.peranteau@ncmuseumofhistory.net.