How do you clean an expensive embroidery chair delicately?
by
Cardinal
+15
I got flooded in Hurricane Harvey. I only have one piece of furniture I'm emotionally attached to, and it is very special to me. Unfortunatly, it got a little flood waters on the lower edge of the bottom ONLY, but the seat cushion was removed. Again, the back, arms and seat cushion did not get flood water...only a small piece of embroidery in the front that the seat cushion sets on.
This was an expensive Queen Ann type chair that had high-end embroidery outdoor scene on the seat back, wings, arms and down seat cushion.The back velvet part had to be torn out due to wicking of water into the cotton batting and to let it dry. I salvaged the seat cusion and had it cleaned. Looks great. The chair was sent to the furniture refinishing guy. I left it with other furniture, while I decided what color of backing to buy. Unfortunately, when I picked-up some other furniture, I saw the chair was not covered and now was full of dust. The beautiful chair is now grey with engrained dust....while the seat cushion is stunningly beautiful greens, dark teal, peach and yellow.
I don't know what to do, or how to clean it without damaging the embroidery. I've tried vaccuuming it, but it is not enough. HELP!! This was my Centerpiece furniture, the one piece I ALWAYS decorated the room around. And now I'm scared to take it to another furniture repair place.
I need help and suggestions that won't damage the embroidery while getting the dust out and bring the color back.
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Maybe you can take your chair to a drycleaner. They are experts at getting stains out of delicate materials without ruining them.
I think I might start with a blow dryer on cool only, to work some loose. Then with some soft makeup brushes that have never been used (you could buy several at the dollar store.) Brush from top to bottom, I would carefully brush off the dust. Cover the seat while you're working above it. Look at it from above and below to make sure you haven't missed any. This is going to be a delicate, time consuming project, so please don't get discouraged. I can tell from your question, how much you love this chair. Get it as clean as you can, and see how it looks. If you aren't happy with it, I would suggest speaking to an expert at a museum. They deal with very delicate materials and could not only share a wealth of information, but may be able to refer you to a specialist in cleaning delicate fabric. Good luck! I'm sorry for your troubles.
Can you take it to a trusted local dry cleaner?
Cleaning and Preserving Vintage Needlework and Cross Stitch
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/caring-for-vintage-needlework-984399
If you have a shop vac that is stronger than a regular vacuum cleaner. I would get a paint brush and brush the chair really well. then use the shop vac to see if it will do the job.
This is how to clean a needlepoint wall hanging, perhaps you could use the same technique on your chair? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_bcUp-CqSg
Hello Cardinal,
Do you have household contents insurance? Maybe a claim! Take it to a specialist who deals with old embroideries etc. Ask at a Museum if they can recommend someone. Or maybe Steam cleaning will do it? Best wishes. If you really love it and you Very Best Wishes.....................
Hi ! You can try a carpet cleaner , that is good for upholstery , as well! , called
Folex . It works on all types of stains and removes them . There are no harsh chemicals , only soaps . But because you said this is dust ...are you sure it's dust , could it be over spray ? I would contact a needlepoint supply store and ask them what the best way to clean it is . Good luck !!!!
Have you tried vacuuming the chair to get it clean