Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation II (5 ECTS)

Objective

- The student will know different cleaning options for cleaning textiles and other organic materials, and she/he will recognize their necessity and possibilities.
- The students will know and understand effects of different cleaning methods on textiles and other organic materials, and she/he will be able to minimize the risks associated to treatment.
- The student will be familiar and will know how to and is able to use solvent-based cleaning treatments in textile conservation.
- The student will be able to use solubility parameters when choosing solvents.
- The student will identify different types of dirt and how they dissolve best.
- The student will be able to use her/his knowledge in chemistry in practical conservation cleaning.
- The student will be able to use a low suction table in cleaning of textiles.
- The student will be able to draft an appropriate documentation of a conserved object.

Content

- Basic cleaning agents – theory, use and practise
- Use of water- and solvent-based substances in textile conservation - solubility parameters
- Use of enzymes and bleaching agents in textile conservation
- Dirt and spot cleaning
- Poultice and gels in textile cleaning
- Chemistry applied to practise
- Use of suction table

Location and time

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Hämeentie 135 D, Degree Progamme in Conservation's premises.

Materials

Literature list and study hand-outs given by the lecturer before the course start and during the course.

Teaching methods

Lectures, contact teaching, problem based learning, guided assignments, work assignments, independent work with literature.

Employer connections

Working life collaboration takes place through visits and visiting lecturers and professional discussions. Objects for the study modules will be acquired through museums, institutions and private clients.

Exam schedules

Exam 13.11.2025. The exam is based on the subjects that were dealt during the Cleaning Metrhods in Textile Conservation I and II.

Completion alternatives

No other course in conservation cleaning will not replace this course as this is aimed for textile conservation purposes for further studies.

Student workload

The weekly working hours of a student is 1,5 cr which is equivalent to 40 hours of studies. 40 hours is formed from approx. 15 - 20 hours of contact studies with a lecturer. The remaining hours is spent by independent literature survey or practical work. 1 credit (cr) is equivalent to 27 hours (h).

Further information

During the study module the student should read up on the given literature together with practical work and give a PowerPoint presentation on a given subject.

The course will be implemented as a project based learning. The idea is learning through making practical work. Student has a role as an investigative learner.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student has a lot of absences from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and learning assignments is unsatisfactory. The student should improve her/his group working skills. The student can grasp the basic ideas of the subject, but the problem solving is limited and ability to apply theory to a practical work requires development. The student does not work independently and there is a lot of need for teacher’s further guidance. The student has not given a requisite amount of attention for the subject and the learning result is fragmented. The student needs to develop her/his skills and knowledge in many areas.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student has taken part to all teaching sessions and learning assignments and the activity during the course is good. The student acts flexibly as a group member. Work progresses consistently during the study period. The student understands the basic ideas of the course and can apply theoretical studies in practical work. The student understands the importance of the things to be learned for the professional field and the related cause and effect relationships. The student’s work has been sufficiently independent, but there is still need for guidance. The student manages the set of tasks and has achieved a good level at her/his skills and knowledge.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The course objectives have been achieved in a competent manner. The student has participated actively and constructively in the teaching and learning assignments. The student has acted as group member encouragingly and strengthening teamwork. The student understands the things taught in the course commendably and can apply what she/he has learned in accordance with the requirements of her/his professional field. The student understands and knows to anticipate the cause-and-effect relationships of the activities related to the matters to her/his professional field.
The student’s work has been sufficiently independent. The student masters the whole subject both in theory and practice. The student has achieved an excellent level in her/his skills and knowledge.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student has a lot of absences from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and learning assignments is unsatisfactory. The student should improve her/his group working skills. The student can grasp the basic ideas of the subject, but the problem solving is limited and ability to apply theory to a practical work requires development. The student does not work independently and there is a lot of need for teacher’s further guidance. The student has not given a requisite amount of attention for the subject and the learning result is fragmented. The student needs to develop her/his skills and knowledge in many areas.

Assessment methods and criteria

Learning assignment 70 %, continuous assessment 30 %.
Assessment is based on continuous assessment of a student, attendance, practical exercises and their assessment. Each student is assessed from the starting point of her/his abilities. All given assignments must be done according to the given instructions.

MInimum 80 % presence of contact studies must fulfill.

Qualifications

Textile Materials, Techniques and Fibre Identification 5 cr, Chemistry I 5 cr, Chemistry I /cont. 5 cr, Chemistry II 5 cr, Cleaning Methods in Textile Conservation I 5 cr

Further information

The course is implemented as a project-based learning. The starting point is learning through practical work. Student her-/himself has a role as an investigative learner.

Further information

The course is implemented as a project-based learning. The starting point is learning through practical work. Student her-/himself has a role as an investigative learner.