How to Clean Needlepoint

You have just finished stitching a beautiful needlepoint picture and it is slightly soiled from frequent handling. You don't want to hang your hard work on the wall with visible dirt on it. Before you block your work, take the time to clean the needlepoint using gentle cleaning products and some tender loving care. If your needlepoint has been put away and has been exposed to mildew, you can eradicate the mildew and musty smell.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mild laundry detergent
• Wool wash
• Cool water
• Clean white terry cloth
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Cardboard
• Straight pins

Cleaning Out Stains and Dirt

1. Test the needlepoint for colorfastness in a small corner of the piece. Add five to 10 drops of laundry detergent or wool wash to cool water and wet the terry cloth. Moisten one corner of the needlepoint and see if dye from the embroidery floss or yarn comes off on the cloth. If no dye comes up on the cloth, it is safe to spot clean small soiled areas of the piece.

2. Gently dab the dirty areas of the needlepoint with the terry cloth, working the dirt out. Do not rub the needlepoint. Continue to work on the dirty areas, changing water as you need and adding a small amount of laundry detergent or wool wash each time you change the water.

3. Immerse the needlepoint fully in cool water if it is soiled all over. Do not rub the fabric and stitching together. Use your fingers to gently work the dirt out of the design and fabric.

4. Transfer the cleaned needlepoint to a basin of cool, clean water, rinse it completely and roll it in a clean, dry towel to soak up the excess water. Do not wring your needlepoint.

5. Block your needlepoint before it dries by placing it on cardboard, stretching and pinning it with stainless steel straight pins. Leave it blocked until it has completely dried.

Cleaning Mildew

6. Carefully immerse the mildewy needlepoint in a solution of cool water and vinegar---one part vinegar to five parts water---and gently hand wash the smell and mildew out. You can also use a mild solution of water and baking soda---one part baking soda to five parts water.

7. Carefully rinse the needlepoint in cool water, and roll it in a clean towel to soak up the excess water. Do not wring the needlepoint.

8. Block as in Step 5 of the first section.

Tips & Warnings

• If the needlepoint was stitched with wool yarn, use a wool wash to clean it.
• If any stains do not come out using water and detergent or wool wash, have the piece dry cleaned.
• Use only a small amount of laundry detergent or wool wash so you don't leave residue in the yarn or embroidery floss after rinsing it.
• If the needlepoint is not colorfast, do not clean it using water and detergent. Have it dry cleaned.

References

• Needlepoint Fun

Resources

• How to Clean Needlepoint