How to Clean Tapestries & Other Wall Hangings

Tapestries—they are some visually stunning works of fine art. They fill the otherwise awkwardly empty wall spaces and add a touch of glamour even to the airiest and most contemporary interiors. Many interior designers today use them in hallways or above the sofas and beds. Some also use them as curtains or carpets.

It goes to show that the uses of tapestries in your home are as varied as the sizes, patterns, and colours they are available in. If you have particularly valuable textiles—a designer tapestry or a colourful, handwoven one—you should consider hanging them as a piece of artwork.

One thing to keep in mind, though: because they’re fabric, tapestries are a magnet for dust, smoke and other particles. So, how can you keep them clean?

How Do You Clean Tapestries & Other Wall Hangings?

A curtain laundry service is not exclusive to curtains. You can get the same professional care for your tapestries and other fabric wall hangings as well. Much like curtains, you should treat these fine works of art with extra caution, and it’s almost always best to take them to the dry cleaner. This is particularly true if they are valuable or sentimental to you, and you don’t want to risk damaging them.

The following are some tips on how to clean your tapestries. These also apply to other types of wall hangings and your curtains, too.

Vacuum

Shake out or vacuum your tapestry to remove dirt or any abrasive particle that can dull its fibres. Lay it on a flat surface like the floor or table if necessary and remember to clean the hem and backside as well. Skip this step with an embroidered or stitched wall hanging, or any other item with intricate details that could be damaged by the suction.

Test for Colourfastness

Test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous part of your tapestry first to check for colour fastness. Apply the cleaner with a white cloth and let it sit for a few minutes, keeping an eye out for any blurring or fading.

Clean

When cleaning your tapestry, lay it flat on a clean white towel and work on one section at a time. Dab the cleaning solution with a clean cloth and make sure to extract any excess moisture with a dry cloth. Soaking your tapestry in water may swell its fibres and deform the pattern.

Rinse

Vacuum the tapestry again to remove any particles that have been loosened during cleaning. Afterwards, rinse your tapestry with distilled water. Use a clean sponge that’s been wrung nearly dry and press it lightly against the surface. Repeat as necessary to soak up all the cleaner and press again with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.

Dry

Let the tapestry dry completely before rehanging. Keep it lying flat on a dry, clean white towel to keep it from stretching under the weight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tapestry & Fabric Wall Art Cleaning

Tapestries and other forms of hanging wall art is a great way to add a finishing touch to your home. It can be very therapeutic to some to display pieces of artwork on otherwise empty wall spaces. With that in mind, it’s only appropriate to keep them in prime condition so they can last longer. Preserving your wall decor is just as necessary as fixing leaks in your roof

Can you wash an old tapestry?

You can wash your wall hanging by hand, including the vintage ones. But we have found that dry cleaning is giving greater results without damaging the fabric. Never wash any tapestry or hanging decor in a washing machine and never use a dryer either.

How do you remove stains from a tapestry?

You can use bleach for the stains on your tapestry. Submerge the piece into the water and swish the piece around. Keep in mind, however, that this doesn’t apply to all tapestries, it’s better to leave the stains to the professionals.

How often should you clean your fabric wall art?

As cleaning professionals, we recommend deep cleaning your tapestry every four years. Increase the frequency if it’s regularly subjected to smoke.

You’ll also find these tips helpful in cleaning your curtains. Much like cleaning your tapestries with care, proper curtain laundry can guarantee that you can enjoy your valuable investment for years to come.

How do you clean and maintain your tapestries and other wall hangings? Let us know by leaving a comment.