How do you clean a cross stitched picture?

Question

My mother has been gone for 9 years. While going through her cross stitch things I found a picture that she had cross stitched of Mickey Mouse but never got it framed. Now I have my first Grandson and would like to have it framed so he has something that his Great Grandmother made. The picture is in great shape but has a few places where there is dirt on it. How do I clean it without the colors running or doing anything to harm the picture?

It can never be replaced so I want to be very careful with it.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Answer 1

Take it to a professional cleaner and let him evaluate the fabric and yarn.  Most yarns are colorfast, but since this an heirloom, seek professional advice first!  A professional cleaner is cognizant of how properly clean all sorts of fabrics or steer you and the right direction.

Answer 2

Wash it with a little dishwashing soap and let it dry flat.  Most likely she used DMC floss, and I've never had trouble with the colors running (I've been cross-stitching for about 20 years, mostly on clothing, so I have a little experience with it--the shirts have literally worn out, but the floss is still like new).

Answer 3

warm water on a towel or wash rag.. just wipe it softly

Answer 4

Assuming it's just soiled and doesn't have any significant stains, you can hand wash in cool water with dish detergent or shampoo, NOT Woolite (Woolite has certain chemicals which can harm the threads). Rinse thoroughly and blot it dry by rolling up in a clean towel. While it's still damp, iron it from the back (place face down on a clean fluffy towel). Wherever you get this framed, you should make sure no glues or tape are used (this means no sticky board) because in time, glues dry up and they can leave yellow stains (which will NEVER come out) or leave your stitchery crooked in its frame (where the fabric has detached from the dried out glue). Good luck!

BTW, dry cleaning is not recommended because you really don't know what kinds of chemicals may be used and what effect these chemicals might have on the stitching and fabric in the long run.