Cellulosic fibers such as cotton, linen, jute, and rayon comprise an appreciable fraction of textile artifacts. These materials are often washed as part of their conservation treatment, and the usual procedure is to use water of as high a quality as possible. Current research indicates a mildly alkaline rinse can enhance the resistance of cellulosic paper fibers to thermal degradation at low temperatures; a similar technique may be applicable to cellulosic textile flbers.