I don't think there is much you can do. I assume it is wool, which can not
be wet cleaned, especially not felt, it will lose its shape. A light vacuum
will get some surface dirt off, but little more. If the dirt isn't hurting
anything, than don't worry about it, the dirt be helping to hold it
together. Also, as mentioned before the dirt may be a part of the history
of the object. However, if anything like mold or fungii is growing in there
than keep it isolated from other objects. It probably can't be cleaned like
new, and trying too hard could destroy the object.

Elizabeth Walton
MA Costume Studies, NYU

At 01:56 PM 5/21/01 -0500, you wrote:
>Hi all,
>
>I have a W.W.I German Artillery person's helmet.  It is made of shaped
>felt that is very dirty and discolored.  Does anyone have any
>suggestions on ways to clean the felt.  I plan on vacuuming it but the
>dust, etc. seem really ingrained.  Any help would be greatly
>appreciated.
>
>--
>Patricia McElyea
>Curator of Collections
>Arkansas State University Museum
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