how to wash a tapestry

If you are looking for ways to bring a little old-world charm into your home, then you have probably considered investing in a tapestry. For centuries, tapestries have been a popular way to decorate and provide warmth to a room. They also double as a functional piece, providing a picture-perfect backdrop for your next movie night or family gathering.

While traditional tapestries are made using animal or fabric materials, these days the range of materials and styles are broad enough to accommodate any home decor scheme. Whether in a bold pattern or an intricate design, a tapestry can add a finishing touch of colour, life and character to your home.

Is a traditional piece of Indian clothing or furniture making a comeback?

The trend towards ethnic fashion and cultural traditions is slowly but surely gaining momentum. This is clearly reflected in the resurging popularity of Indian clothing and furniture making, particularly in the areas surrounding the subcontinent. Tapestries are an excellent way to bring a touch of the distant lands; whether traditional or modern styles are your thing.

Here we examine the steps required to wash a traditional Indian tapestry.

Get Everything You Need In Advance

The first and most crucial step is to ensure you have everything before you start. This includes both the material of the tapestry as well as the tools needed to make it look authentic. If you are dealing with silk, for example, you will need professional grade silk-washing equipment as well as warm water. If you want, you can also get a professional to do the washing for you, but this will limit your options for when you want to clean it.

The more you know, the less you’ll likely have to spend in the long run. Researching the different materials used in a particular type of tapestry can help you determine what equipment and materials you will need. If possible, get to know the people who make the items you are considering purchasing. Even if you aren’t sure if a particular piece will look the same as the one next to it, it’s worth it to find out more about the craftsmanship behind the display.

Wash It The Right Way

To ensure the best possible results when washing your item, you need to do it by hand. Using a cleaning agent on the surface may help, but it is not always the most effective approach. When washing silk, for example, you will need to use specific techniques to get the best results. Some experts even recommend using a combination of hand-washing and machine-washing when cleaning silk. Regardless of what method you choose to use, make sure you work on removing the dirt from inside the material.

If your item is not thoroughly cleaned before you put it away, even if it was just in transit from the dry cleaner to your home, you will be fighting a losing battle against dirt and oil damage. Always make sure your fabrics are dry before putting them away, whether it’s a tapestry, a curtain or a blanket. Drying your fabrics in the sunshine is also a better alternative to using a hairdryer on plastic materials.

Don’t Over-Wash It

Try your best not to over-wash your item. For instance, when washing silks you don’t want to use soap, as it will ultimately cause the silk to deteriorate.

Some people even go so far as to say that hand-washing is the best way to go when it comes to silks and similar materials. However, you shouldn’t wash your item everyday and certainly not for an hour or more. You should also make sure you remove water with a tissue or cloth before laying your item down. Drying your silk in the sunlight is another great way to go about it. If possible, get a professional to wash your silk for you, as it can be extremely difficult to get the best results when doing it yourself.

Use The Right Equipment

To get the best possible results when washing your item, you need to use the right equipment. When washing blankets, for example, you will need to use an industrial scale to help you determine how much water you need for the proper washing process. It is also a good idea to use a ball pein to help tighten the weave and give it shape. When using a blanket wash, make sure you take the time to ensure the fabric is thoroughly cleaned.

If your item is thick and heavy, consider using a washing machine with a specialised garment for thick fabrics. You can also use a detergent with enzymes in it to help break down the dirt and oils that may be embedded in your material. If you aren’t sure where to begin, just take your time and do your best with what you have. A lot of trial and error will help you get the best possible results.

Follow The Cleaning Instructions

Once you’ve washed your item and put it away, it’s time to move on to the next step. If you did everything correctly in the previous step, you should be able to follow these instructions to take care of any extra products that might be needed for the next step.

For example, if you’re doing a curtain clean you might need to put on some gloves, grab a handful of gel and follow the instructions on how to use it. Be careful not to touch the surface of the glass as it will stain easily. Once the gel is gone, use some water to remove the excess oil from the glass. Be careful not to drip the water on the curtain cloth as it will soak through and stain your clothes or furniture.

Doing your best to follow these tips will help you get the best possible results when washing your tapestries, curtains or blankets. If you keep everything you need in advance, make sure you use the right tools and equipment, and avoid over-washing and under-washing your item, you will be set to enjoy your beautiful fabric for years to come.