Perhaps you have just purchased a new tapestry wall hanging or have come across an heirloom in grandmother's attic. You would love to hang your new find but it is extremely wrinkled. Here are some suggestions to help you remove the wrinkles.

Antique Heirloom Tapestries - You may wish to take the heirloom tapestry you found in grandmother's attic to a reputable dry cleaner or an antique dealer. We recommend a dry cleaner that is well versed in professional drapery cleaning. You should ask for the manager and point out how special your new find is and ask them if they are able to clean your item. You may also want to contact an antique dealer in your area for specific advice on dealing with older fabric. There may need to be section's of your tapestry that need repair and an antique dealer may know a source in your local area having this work done. The antique dealer may also be able to recommend as to whether or not you should have the item dry cleaned. It is always best to approach someone in your area who can see the item first hand and give you professional advice on caring for it or restoring it.

New Tapestries - A new tapestry will probably have creases or wrinkles and may need ironing before you hang it. To remove creases, we recommend ironing the back of the tapestry first, with a steam iron on a medium setting. This will remove most of the creases. If you need to iron the face or front, we recommend you place a thin towel or pressing cloth between the fabric and the iron to avoid scorching the fibers. Use common sense. A drapery steamer may be used to remove any creases as well. We do not recommend using these methods for an antique or heirloom item. The fibers may be very delicate and need special care.

If you have purchased a new tapestry and have mounted it on a wall, it should require very little maintenance. Vacuum the front back of your tapestry once or twice per year with your vacuum cleaner's upholstery attachment to remove dust. When your new tapestry requires deep cleaning, please take it to a professional dry cleaner, one that is well versed in professional drapery cleaning. You may take your new tapestry to your dry cleaner to remove wrinkles as well.

Please use common sense when dealing with your tapestry. Wrinkle removal is fairly simple, especially when dealing with a new tapestry. Since most tapestries are wall mounted they receive very little wear and can last for years.