Mechanical cleaning (vacuuming). Every cleaning of antique fabric, whether wet or dry, should be preceded by dust removal. If it sits loosely on the fabric, it can be removed with a soft brush, and in places very encrusted with a scalpel. When the fabric is not weakened and brittle, dust can be removed with a vacuum cleaner. However, this should be done with the suction of the vacuum cleaner reduced, by stretching gauze or a dense nylon mesh over the object, perlon or nylon-monafil, as well as maintaining the proper distance between the nozzle and the fabric. In the case of very sensitive fabrics, attempts can be made to blow off the dust, using a rubber bulb. It is important in these procedures to limit any manipulations to a minimum, that may damage the fabric.
