The Right Way To Maintain Your Tapestry Accent Wall So It Will Always Look Stunning

Tapestries have long been a way to portray important events and were an especially prominent form of art between the 14th and 18th centuries, depicting ancient religious images, historical scenes, and daily life. More recently, though, modern tapestries often have gorgeous patterns and detailing and are typically used to embellish bare walls in a home. Using a tapestry as wall decor can add depth, texture, and vibrancy to a room. It can also accentuate your design scheme, connecting a room according to different design elements. When it comes to tapestry maintenance, there are many different yet simple ways, such as dry cleaning and dusting, to preserve the piece's charm. However, ensure you check the care tag and decide on the best method according to the material.

In general, it's fairly easy to clean a tapestry because they typically don't sustain as much wear and tear as other items that may be frequently touched. Plus, a tapestry doesn't usually need to be washed or cleaned frequently. With a few cleaning tips and knowing what to avoid, your tapestry will continue to be a captivating addition to your home.

When a tapestry accent wall is used to spice up a blank wall, it's important to maintain its beauty and ensure it remains eye-catching. Generally, dusting off your tapestry every now and then with a soft cloth or feather duster is the quickest fix. For an appropriate cleaning, note the type of fabric your tapestry is made of. Tapestries are typically wool, cotton, or silk. The latter two can be cleaned at home as part of their regular maintenance. However, tapestries that are 100% wool should be dry cleaned professionally. 

For at-home cleaning of your cotton tapestry, which is a popular, affordable, and low-maintenance choice, use the upholstery attachment of a vacuum and brush the bristles down to remove dust and dirt. These tapestries can also possibly be cycled in the washing machine on the "gentle" and "cold wash" settings, but check the care tag. Wool and silk tapestries are not advisable to put in a washing machine. Instead, you should opt for spot cleaning. For spot cleaning a specific stain on your cotton or wool tapestry, use a fabric cleaner such as Woolite or Resolve. Silk tapestries can be spot cleaned by dabbing, not rubbing, the spot gently with detergent or cool water. 

Creasing over time is natural for tapestries, and in that case, you can likely steam-iron out the wrinkles. Take a steam iron and a pressing cloth to your ironing board, then smooth out your tapestry with the cloth on top. This protects the fabric on your tapestry from damage. Alternatively, minimize wrinkles by framing your portrait tapestry with dowel rod frames at both ends to keep it taut.

Taking preventative measures is a great start to ensure the quality of your tapestry lasts. Given its material, it's generally a good idea to keep your tapestry away from fireplaces, stoves, space heaters, or other areas of the home prone to excessive heat, as it can catch and spread fire. Whether your tapestry is cotton, wool, or satin, you will want to avoid hanging it near direct heat and sunlight. This causes the fabric and image on your tapestry to fade over time. Generally, you're better off skipping household cleaning hacks and instead using cleaning products that are safe to handle delicate tapestry fabrics.

When it comes to routine maintenance, keep in mind that excessive or rigorous cleaning of your tapestry can cause damage to your beautiful artwork. Excessively cleaning your tapestry in the washing machine, like many clothing and fabrics, can cause color fading and shrinkage. Likewise, using hot water or harsh chemicals, like ammonia and bleach, can cause discoloration and damage the fabric, especially wool and silk. The key to tapestry maintenance is to refrain from washing it too often and storing it properly when not in use to keep it in good shape.