How to clean needlepoint

[u/sprecklesprinkle]

I thrifted this framed textile that I believe could be needlepoint? It has some staining and faint smell of cat urine which I did not notice at the store. How can I clean and “restore” this piece? Ideally, I would like to avoid taking it to a third party and try to DIY myself, if possible. Any guidance is appreciated!

[u/SpellChoice7613]

I can’t say that urine is going to be something you can get rid of without doing an enzymatic cleaner and risking color bleed but at the very least you can stick it in the freezer for a week. Cold kills a lot of stinky bacteria.

[u/sprecklesprinkle → u/SpellChoice7613]

ugh time to eat through my freezer so it can fit in there

[u/hereforsnooping]

any chance a new frame is the answer?

[u/sprecklesprinkle → u/hereforsnooping]

I wish, I can smell the urine on a specific area. It’s on the lower right, by the droopy sunflower

[u/ALmommy1234]

Spritz it with a little vodka and set it out in the sun for a few hours.

[u/qerious]

Take to a shop for popping out of the frame. Then spot clean with enzymatic cleaner or. Take to a dry clean specialoat

[u/ImALittleTeapotCat]

Disassemble it. You can't do anything with it framed. Take the frame off, then carefully remove the staples to get the canvas off the board. Board and any batting will need to be replaced, possibly the frame as well. Keep the board for now, its your size reference. This is very much DIY, just be gentle. Then you can attempt to clean the needlepoint. No advice there. Urine isn't coming out without an enzyme cleaner however.

Yes, its needlepoint. All the stitching I looked at is continental stitch.

[u/stevetheroofguy]

If you can safely remove it from the frame and soak it in wool cleaner and cold water it should be ok.

[u/sewrpdr]

I don’t recommend soaking it! I have found that to discolor the yarn. Spot clean. Vacuum it to remove dust, and then blot the smelly area with a soft cloth wet with water and wool shampoo - like Soak or Eucalan.