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Cross Stitch/Cleaning a Cross Stitch Pillow

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Expert: Angela - 1/20/2006


Question
I have a cross stitch pillow from the 70s that has some mold on the pillow face from being in a basement. I think I might be able to take the actual pillow portion out of the covering (the covering is the cross stitched front, plus a velvet back). How can I clean the mold off?

Answer
Hello, Leigh :)

The only thing I can think of for you to try is try soaking it in tepid water (barely warm, more cool to the touch), and either a very mild clothes detergent (Woolite would work) or dishwashing liquid, and a clean toothbrush, and gently brush the mold out.  The reason for the tepid water is so that the dye from the floss doesn't run.

That's the only thing I can suggest.  If that doesn't work, then unfortunately that item is damaged beyond repair.  My apologies for not being any further assistance to you other than that.

Good luck with it, though.

Sincerely,
Angela

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Angela

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I have 22+ years of cross stitching experience, which includes stitching on Aida, evenweave linen, vinyl canvas, and have stitched a design on a cotton t-shirt using waste canvas. I have also worked with beads and blending filament in quite a few projects. I have made many projects which include cross stitched mugs, a keychain, pictures, magnets, and the cotton t-shirt. I can answer questions pertaining to preparing and cleaning fabric, preparing clothing for stitching, how many threads to be used on which Aida cloth, and will try to help you to the best of my ability with other questions you may have. I am prompt in my responses and usually answer within 24 hours from when you ask your question. I look forward to helping you. :)

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