How To Clean Needlepoint

Cleaning needlepoint can be a dodgy business!

We give you some advice as to how to clean needlepoint, but ultimately it is far better not to get it dirty in the first place. Not very helpful we know.

If you have finished stitching your canvas and it looks just a little grubby, this can usually be dealt with by using a mild soap and water solution.

If the needlepoint is stitched with wool fiber then a wool wash such as Woolite is good. If a cotton or synthetic fiber then use any mild, colorless, fragrance-free soap. Make it up into a mild solution with water. You will not be rinsing the needlepoint in a lot of water after washing, so make sure the solution is not too "soapy" as this will leave a residue.

First, test a small piece of the canvas for color-fastness. Using a clean white terry cloth or other thick, absorbent towel, dip a corner into the soap solution and gently dab at the canvas. If the color does not come off on the towel then you should be okay to continue dabbing the soap solution over the soiled areas.

Do not rub. Dab firmly. You will be hoping to lift the dirt in this way. When you think you have lifted all the dirt you can, get some clean water and repeat the process.

If your needlepoint is very dirty, or has a stain on it, then you will probably need to bring in the professionals!

This probably calls for dry cleaning. Contact cleaners in your area, especially those advertising cleaning of furnishings, and ask them if they have experience with this type of fiber. Eventually you will find one that you think knows what they are doing, and they should be able to help.

If you have an heirloom piece, or an especially precious item of needlework or tapestry, you may want to check out this link for a place that does needlework restoration. Have your pocketbook handy!

Textile Conservation Workshop

Remember, some stains or years of abuse just can't be rehabilitated. If all else fails, hold a

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