How To

How to Store Antique Textiles

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Storing antique textiles the correct way is very important for care and preservation. Most of the antique textiles that have survived many decades are made of natural fibers including cotton, linen, silk and wool. With the proper care and storage, antique textiles can last for many more years.

From Quick Guide: Collecting Antiques
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Handle the antique textiles carfully and remove as much dust and particles as you can.

  2. Step 2

    Launder washable and colorfast textiles on delicate in cold water, or by hand, before you store them. The textiles should be stored without starch or bluing and without ironing.

  3. Step 3

    Lay the textiles flat making sure to minimize folding, pressure and abrasion. If the fabric must be folded, pad the folded points with strips of old sheets or muslin to avoid any creases.

  4. Step 4

    Wrap the antique textiles in clean white cotton cloth such as a white cotton pillowcase, sheet or use muslin.

  5. Step 5

    Place the textiles in a drawer, but make sure to put it on top of the other items in the drawer. If you put the textiles on the bottom, the weight will cause sharp fold marks that may be difficult to remove. The sharp folds can also cause the fabric to split.

Tips & Warnings
  • Store antique textiles in an area that is cool, clean, dark and dry, without drastic changes in humidity or temperature.
  • The best place to store textiles is in a drawer, or drawers, that is just used for the storage of the fabric.
  • Vacuum a fabric that cannot be cleaned any other way by putting it flat on a table and covering it with a piece of fiberglass screening. Place the screening so the vacuum head does not touch the fabric directly. Use a hand vacuum on the weakest setting to remove any loose dirt or dust from the fabric.
  • Avoid storing antique textiles in an attic or garage as the fabric could be permanently damaged.
  • Antique textiles should never have any direct contact with any tissue paper, wood or wrapping paper.

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