Storing and caring for Iranian textiles

Most textile damage at home is environmental. Wool and silk suffer when relative humidity swings: high humidity invites mould and moth, very dry air embrittles silk. Choose an interior cupboard or room away from radiators, exterior walls and windows. Steadiness matters more than hitting an exact number.

Rugs and long textiles should be rolled, pile-side out, along the warp around an acid-free tube or a tube wrapped in clean cotton. Folding creates hard creases that break fibres, especially in termeh with metal-wrapped or silk wefts. If a textile must be folded, pad each fold with rolled acid-free tissue and refold along different lines every few months.

Moth larvae prefer dark, undisturbed, soiled wool. Regular vacuuming of the back of a rug and of storage areas is the best prevention. If larvae are found, isolate the item in a sealed bag; freezing protocols used by museums can be effective but must be followed carefully to avoid condensation damage. Seek a conservator for silk or metal-thread pieces.

Start with condition assessment. Light exposure accumulates, folds can become permanent weaknesses and dampness can encourage mould. Insect activity should be isolated and documented rather than treated with household sprays on a historic textile.

Record measurements, fibres where known, existing damage and storage conditions. For loose or powdering fibres, mould, significant stains or valuable objects, seek a textile conservator before cleaning. Never assume a generic washing instruction applies to an old textile.

The steps here are educational; identification, conservation and valuation of an individual object require appropriate independent expertise.