Testing, Cleaning & Stain Treatment

Specialist Cleaning Techniques

The studio is equipped with specialist areas for cleaning, including a dedicated washroom. We carry out a complete range of cleaning methods, using both wet and dry techniques, as appropriate to the object.

Specialist services are available, including the use of a fume cupboard and vacuum table for stain removal and spot cleaning.

Humidification techniques are used to relax, remove creases and cockling in textiles.

Testing is done first to establish the best treatment plan depending on the object and the specific type of stain.

Results from an extraction clean showing dirty water

Results from an extraction clean

Testing with an agarose gel

Testing with an agarose gel

Mould treatment using fume cupboard

Mould treatment using fume cupboard

Suction cleaning using a suction table

Suction cleaning using a suction table

Wet cleaning process

Wet cleaning

Extraction cleaning of carpet

Extraction cleaning

A Private Client

Camel Hair Kilim

Camel hair kilim after conservation treatment

After Treatment

Camel hair kilim before treatment

Before Treatment

Camel hair kilim before treatment detail

Before Treatment Detail

Treatment Received

  • •Surface cleaned with a variable speed museum vacuum to remove surface particulates.
  • •Wet cleaned using spray extraction and a dilute solution of conservation grade detergent.
  • •Fully supported on colour matched fabric with conservation stitching to secure holes and areas of damage.
  • •Fully lined, with a Velcro header and batten for hanging.

Westminster Abbey

The Padre’s Flag, circa 1910

A Union Jack used by Reverend David Railton as an altar cloth and shroud during World War I, now hangs in St. George’s Chapel at Westminster Abbey, near the grave of the Unknown Warrior.

Westminster Abbey Padre's Flag after treatment

After Treatment

Westminster Abbey Padre's Flag before treatment

Before Treatment

Padre's Flag wet cleaning process

Wet Cleaning

Flag wash and rinse waters

Wash & Rinse Waters

Extraction waters from spray extraction in bottles

Extraction Waters

Treatment Received

  • •The flag was removed from the pole in situ.
  • •Surface cleaned using a variable control museum vacuum to remove particulate soiling.
  • •Tests were carried out to establish the fastness of the dyes.
  • •Wet cleaned with conservation grade detergent and thoroughly rinsed.
  • •The treatment was of low intervention ensuring historic staining remained.
  • •Air dried under tension to remove creases and reduce distortion.
  • •A pole sleeve was stitched to the reverse.

A Private Client

Water Damaged Red Silk Damask Wall Coverings

Water damage to red silk damask wall coverings

Before Treatment

During agarose treatment on red silk damask

During Agarose Treatment

After agarose treatment on red silk damask

After Agarose Treatment

Treatment Received

  • •Small areas of heavy staining were selected to test various solvents to establish which one would be the most effective without leaving a watermark.
  • •Testing was carried out on each of the solvents using a cotton swab, then rinsed with deionised water.
  • •The deionised water proved to be the most effective stain removal. To avoid any abrasion caused from repeated use of cotton swabs, an agarose gel was used.
  • •The gel is applied to the stain; it draws out the dirt and staining into the gel without damaging the fibres of the damask.
  • •The gel was left in place for 3 hours covered with a layer of organza and dried with cool air then removed.
  • •Using this method, the stain was reduced and did not leave a tideline or any lightening of the fabric.

Preserve Your Textile

Expert textile conservation and restoration services with a passion for preserving history.

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