Answer: Proper maintenance and storage of embroidery are crucial aspects of embroidery collection. If not properly cared for, stored embroidery can cause trouble for the collector and even lead to unnecessary financial losses. Therefore, preservation of embroidery is a topic of significant concern for collectors.

While we may not have access to the scientific instruments and equipment used by professional museums to assist in preservation, there are still effective traditional methods in the folk sector that can be used for embroidery collection. Unlike unearthed artifacts, these folk collections are generally passed down through generations, making their preservation less complicated.

Cleaning Method:
When acquiring an embroidery piece, do not immediately clean it upon bringing it home. Prepare a new goat hair brush, a new wolf hair brush, and a camera lens blower. First, gently sweep the surface of the embroidery with the goat hair brush. After sweeping, use the blower to remove surface dust. Then, carefully sweep out any larger particles or dirt hidden in the seams with the wolf hair brush, especially for older embroidery that may have residues of insects not visible to the naked eye. Finally, use the blower again to remove any dust or brush hairs left behind, ensuring a clean embroidery surface.

Cleaning tools for embroidery

Oil Stain Removal Method:
If you notice oil stains on the embroidery, do not wash it with water or use soap powder for spot cleaning. It is best to use aviation gasoline or, if possible, jet engine fuel. Using a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of gasoline, gently wipe the area with the oil stain. The stain will be easily removed. Be sure to apply light pressure during wiping to avoid leaving irreversible marks on the embroidery surface.

Degreasing tools

Gentle Washing Method:
Some embroidered garments might have been worn or used before you acquired them. To ensure their quality during storage, you can consider washing them. However, this washing process requires extreme caution to avoid damaging the embroidery. First, find a piece of gauze fabric, whether synthetic or cotton, and sew it over the embroidery surface. Place it in the washing machine with a small amount of shampoo for gentle washing, ensuring the washing time is short. Afterward, rinse it by hand in clean water, then lay it flat and press out the excess water. Once dry, use a medium-heat iron to smooth it out.
Note: Before washing, gently pull the fabric at the edges of the embroidery to check its tensile strength. If the fabric tears easily, it indicates that the fibers are weak due to age, and the piece should not be washed. Similarly, if there are multiple breaks or loose threads in the embroidery, avoid washing and maintain the original condition. Ensure that you eliminate all factors that make washing inadvisable before proceeding.

Gently wash to protect the veil

The embroidery surface is aged and should not be washed

Storing Embroidery:
When an embroidered piece is not being framed or hung, it can be temporarily stored by covering it with a layer of transparent white paper, then wrapping it in newspaper. Lay it flat in a box, cabinet, or drawer, without placing any chemical mothballs or insecticides, as the ink in the newspaper provides sufficient protection against pests. Avoid using camphor balls, as they can damage silk fabrics.

Store the embroidery covered with newspapers

Temperature and Humidity Considerations:
Embroidered pieces should be stored at room temperature and should not be moved frequently. If you must transport them to another location, choose a time when the weather conditions are similar between the two places. For instance, if moving embroidery from the north to the south, avoid the rainy, damp, or foggy seasons in the south, as these conditions can negatively affect the embroidery. Conversely, when bringing embroidery from the south to the north, select a time with similar weather, such as late autumn when the weather is cool and dry, and the temperature and humidity differences are minimal. In summary, embroidery is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity variations, and careful attention is necessary to extend the life of your collection.

Framing for Preservation:
Framing embroidery is an excellent method for preserving it while also allowing for display and environmental enhancement. A framed embroidery piece is kept in a relatively sealed, undisturbed environment, free from dust, and protected from unintentional contact during viewing. However, avoid placing the frame in direct sunlight or using adhesives inside the frame.

Avoid using glue to glue the embroidery

There are many other methods for preserving embroidery, which you can discover, accumulate, and summarize throughout your collection journey.