How to Clean a Tapestry

How to Clean a Tapestry
Written By
Melissa King
Melissa King
Published: Jun 30, 2013
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

With their intricate patterns and bold colors, tapestries add warmth and beauty to any room in your home. Many tapestry owners hang theirs on a wall for display, while others drape their tapestry over a bed or lay it flat on the floor. If you hang your tapestry on the wall, it usually will not get dirty enough to need a deep cleaning. Unless your tapestry gets soiled, an occasional dusting with your vacuum cleaner is enough to keep the item looking fresh.

Step 1

Remove the tapestry from the wall, if necessary.

Step 2

Lay the tapestry on a flat surface, such as on a clean floor or a table.

Step 3

Connect an upholstery attachment to your vacuum cleaner. This attachment has stiff bristles and an oval- or rectangular-shaped head.

Step 4

Turn on the vacuum cleaner. Run the upholstery attachment down the length of the tapestry, working from the top to the bottom. Vacuum the top side of the tapestry; this is where dust collects when it hangs on the wall.

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Step 5

Flip the tapestry over and vacuum the back, if desired. The tapestry's backside is usually not as dirty as the front.

Step 6

Take your tapestry to a dry cleaner if it still looks dirty after vacuuming. You should not dry clean certain types of tapestries, such as hand-woven ones, Italian and French reproduction tapestries or those made of 100 percent wool. If you have a tapestry such as this, contact a rug cleaner who specializes in high-end carpets or antique textiles.

Things You Will Need

  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Upholstery attachment

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Melissa King

Melissa King began writing in 2001. She spent three years writing for her local newspaper, "The Colt," writing editorials, news stories, product reviews and entertainment pieces. She is also the owner and operator of Howbert Freelance…

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