4 ways to preserve your textiles

Preserving textiles is mostly a matter of storing them properly and protecting them from insects and the sun. Here are some tips on keeping your textiles problem-free.

• Never store textiles in airtight containers or plastic bags, which can trap in heat and moisture and result in mould and mildew growths.
• Some plastics also produce fumes that can hasten disintegration of antique textiles.

• It's best to lay textiles flat when storing them in order to provide even support across the entire fabric and to prevent fibres from breaking.
• Store textiles in acid-free or polyethylene boxes with lids or on a shelf.
• Line the box or shelf with a clean, unbleached muslin or acid-free tissue paper.
• If folding is unavoidable, pad the creases by putting muslin, tissue paper, or polyester batting inside each fold.
• When folding heavy textiles like quilts, you can place the quilt over a well-washed cotton sheet and fold them together.
• Wrap the quilt and sheet in a second sheet for added protection.
• You can also keep quilts folded in white cotton pillowcases.
• It's best not to stack delicate textiles, because it might harm the fibres.
• If you need to layer them, however, put the heaviest items on the bottom and separate each piece with a sheet or two of acid-free paper.

• Any antique or high-quality carpet or rug that is still in use or displayed on a floor should rest on top of a well-made underlay.
• Good underpadding provides protection against insects and prolongs the life of a carpet or rug by cushioning the unevenness of the floor and the weight of furniture.
• Underlays should be three to six millimetres (1/8 to 1/4 inch) thick and large enough to extend to the edge of a carpet. Never fold or overlap an underlay.
• Also, don't use a self-adhesive underlay or ones that are made of foam rubber, vinyl, or recycled felt. They will need replacing much sooner than those made of better types of material.

• Carpets and tapestries that are wall-mounted may be more susceptible to attack by moths and carpet beetles, because it's easier for the pests to get between the material and the lining on its back.
• Regular inspections and vacuuming will help discourage any infestations.