Dear Becca,

Keeping in mind that I am not a curator or restorer, I would propose:
- to clean them dry on a flat surface (watch for insects)
- not to wash them (no detergent at all, no demineralized water) because
some colours could bleed
- if you have to show them on the walls again, protect them with a
plexiglass case. A larger plexiglass plate could be sufficient and
allows air circulation also at the rear.
- Avoid places in direct sunlight because some coulours may fade.

Do not try to make them look like new. But, if you like, tell the
visitors that the grease and grim derives from an earlier museums
presentation giving visitors a chance to clean their hands on the
carpets...

All the best


Christian

"Becca Hiller" <[log in to unmask]> schrieb:
Dear List Serv, 

Can anyone recommend how woven Indian rugs should be cleaned.  We
have several which have been hanging on the walls for almost thirty
years and not protected.  I would like to have them cleaned (to
remove the grease and grim from the hands of those visitors who
simply could not resist touching) and then make plexi glass cases to
cover them. Ideally, I would put them away in our collections for a
time-to give them a break-but that is not possible. 

Thank you,Becca

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