Expert: Henry Babcock - 8/14/2004

Question
I just purchased 2 Eastlake chairs that have needlepoint seats and backs. I would greatly appreciate your assistant in finding out how to best clean the needlepoint.

Thank You,

Regina

Answer
Regina--

Cleaning needlepoint can be a complex endeavor.

More than likely you will want to remove the needlepoint from the chairs.  For this, a qualified upholsterer should be consulted.

After cleaning, the needlepoint may need to be re-blocked; again an upholterer may be able to help you here.

As for the cleaning itself, there are many variables to be considered.  The materials used to make the needlepoint and the type of dirt and/or stains to be removed will determine which cleaning methods are best.

The details of this would be difficult to go through in this forum, so I am going to recommend a small investment in the book, "The Needlework Doctor" by Mary Kay Davis.  You should be able to pick up a copy on the internet for $5 or so.

The author provides detailed, step by step instructions for determining which materials were used, whether to clean it yourself, how to hand wash, and how to look for a qualified dry cleaner.

This small investment can really save you some time and money in getting the best cleaning for your chairs' needlepoint.

Thanks for your inquiry,

Henry Babcock
AllExperts Needlepoint Expert