Dust and surface dirt can be carefully removed from old textiles with a vacuum cleaner. Cover the end of the nozzle with nylon net to prevent material or decorations from being sucked up, and, if possible, reduce the suction. A soft brush can be useful around creases and decorations. Many old textiles were never laundered. If you do not have access to expert advice, it is better to live with a stain than risk damaging the whole textile.
Old textiles are treasures that merit our care and attention.
The books below contain further information on this subject. Also feel free to contact the Conservation Services at the Royal British Columbia Museum. Canadian Conservation Institute. Finch, K. and G. Putnam. The Care and Preservation of Textiles.