Textiles, in contrast to most fine art objects, are particularly vulnerable to deterioration because of their past utilitarian roles. Warning signs usually become visible after a certain amount of deterioration has already taken place. For this reason, monitoring museum textile collections for signs of damage is an important preservation strategy. Once damage to an object becomes apparent, prompt action is indicated. A distinction must be made between remedial measures that can be taken by a technician and those that should be handled by a professional textile conservator. A program that includes the preventive measures described below can help to keep future damage to a minimum.