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Textiles
Textiles are a combination of fibers, dyes, and finished. They can be decorated with threads or other non-textile materials (i.e. shells, beads, etc.). Textiles we often see within collections are quilts, clothing, tapestries, wall hangings, rugs, baskets, mats, upholstery, embroidered and other decorative samples. Textiles are hygroscopic, which means it readily takes up and loses moisture.

Types of fibers:
 * Animal fibers (hair, wool, silk)
 * Plant fibers (stems, leaves, seeds)
 * Synthetic fibers (rayon, cellulose acetate, triacetate, natural rubber)
 * Polymers created in laboratories (nylon, polyester, polyurethanes)

Light
All textiles are easily damaged by light and is irreversible. Prolonged exposure to light can cause dyes to fade and undyed textiles to bleach or darken. It can cause damage to the fibers and making them brittle. The amount of light damage depends on the type of light (ultraviolet and visible), the intensity of the light, and duration of exposure.

Temperature and Humidity
Higher temperatures increase the rate of chemical reactions which in turn increases the rate damage can occur in fibers. If the relative humidity is too high or too low that can promote pest activity and cause mold growth. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity are also harmful to textiles as the dimensional change and mechanical stress from the fluctuating moisture intake can cause breakage and structural damage.

Pollution
There are many ways pollutants can get inside the museum from outside, cleaning products, and our person. Dust and other gritty particulates can be quite damaging to textiles as they can get in between the fibers causing abrasions and damage to the piece. Any type of smoke and dirt will dull and stain textiles. There are several other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and formaldehyde, that can cause discoloration, brittleness, and other damage.

Pests
Textiles are a food source for microbes and insects. They like to not only eat the textiles but also may use it as a place to lay eggs. Some common pests that damage textiles are:
 * Case bearer and webbing clothes moths: attracted to animal fibers. They will lay eggs within the weave of the textile where the larvae will feed on the textile. The larvae will take on the color of the textile making them difficult to locate. They are known for making holes and weakening the structure.
 * Silverfish: will eat various textiles (cotton and silk)
 * Carpet Beetle, Woodworms, Termites: mostly textiles associated with wood, upholstery. Carpet beetles also will eat silk and wool.
 * Rats/Mice/Other small animals: eat and take away to build nests.

Light
The proper lighting conditions can help prolong the life of your textile collection. Store and display textiles in areas where there are no windows to help reduce their exposure. If there are windows it is best to cover them with drapes or blinds. Avoid storing them where there are doors that open directly to outside. Use monitoring equipment to detect the levels of ultraviolet and visible light. The maximum iluminescence recommended for textiles is 50 lux. All ultraviolet light should be filtered. Always be aware and consider new ways to limit light exposure.

Temperature and Humidity
Textiles should be stored and displayed far away from heat sources (fireplaces, windows, etc.) as possible. Areas with high temperature or subject to fluctuations should not be where textiles are stored. Low temperatures are not a problem for textiles and could help slow down the rate of deterioration. Textiles should be stored at temperatures between 65º and 75º F. Relative humidity should be kept between 35 and 65 percent with the goal of being as close to 50 percent as possible.

Pollutants
Doors, windows, and outside vents should be closed whenever possible and smoking or fires should never be allowed near textiles. Having the right building materials, carpeting, and cleaners that do not emit harmful gasses will help with preservation. The use of particulate air filters in the HVAC system and storing/displaying textiles in closed cabinets and sealed cases will help to keep pollutants out.

Pests
To avoid pests, it is best to implement a regular cleaning plan to keep soils, food, and other particulates away. Develop and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan with regular inspections and recording of any insect sightings. Do not have flowers and plants near the storage area or even the building as that is a good way for them to get in. Isolate any new textiles from the rest of the collection to ensure there are no pests present.

Handling
Proper handling is important as textiles are often more fragile than they appear. Wash your hands and avoid using any lotions or creams as they can damage the textile. Wear cotton gloves as the oil in skin can also be damaging. Start by looking for weak areas of the textile, any physical damage, and worn areas. Support the textile that will distribute weight evenly and with thin textiles (silk) place acid free cardboard underneath to support it. Heavier textiles (carpet) are better moved by having them rolled on a large tube or carried in a fabric sling. Always use caution when moving or handling textiles. References: