Connecting to Collections Care Online Community

Fabric Cleaning

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    • #134108
      Caroline Blackburn
      Participant

      Hello,
      We have a black dress of silk or polished cotton that has mildew stains. What are your recommendations for cleaning the mildew from the fabric?
      Thank you for the help,
      Caroline

    • #134111
      Quinn Morgan Ferris
      Participant

      Hi Caroline,

      Thank you for the question. Since this topic is outside my area of expertise, I would like to direct it to someone with more information and experience. One of our experts should be able to get back to you shortly.

      Additionally, I would like to provide you with a link to the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute, which outlines some basic care information, in case you haven’t already found it. The site suggests how to identify and re-mediate mildew on fabric, and also has good cautionary and safety information. http://www.si.edu/mci/english/learn_more/taking_care/mnm.html

    • #134117
      Quinn Morgan Ferris
      Participant

      Caroline,

      A colleague who treats textiles provided this additional thought:

      The areas of the dress with stains from mildew have been damaged by the mold/mildew. Therefore, any stain removal treatment will risk causing more damage. It may be best to “live with” the discolored area(s). Alternatively, contact a textile conservator (http://www.conservation-us.org/membership/find-a-conservator), who will be able to examine and test the dress and the stains. A textile conservator will also be able to do microscopy to ascertain if the dress is silk or polished cotton. Knowing the fiber is essential for treatment.

      I hope that helps.

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