Cleaning of historic textiles

Abstract

Historic textiles may be partially damaged and soiled with a variety of impurities originated from the use, but also that of long-term ageing. Cleaning of historic textiles is a very specific process that requires a high attention, expertise and experience of the employees. It is often a compromise between the desire to make object clean and the need to avoid further damage that can occur during cleaning. Some specific stains that may have historic features may not be removed. The selection of cleaning agents must be chosen very carefully, as not to destroy the appearance of the historical object. For example, optical brightening agents should not be added to the bath for washing of historical objects made in a time in which those agents did not exist