Textile objects form a rich source of nutrition for moth and beetle larvae. Soiled woollen textiles are especially attractive. Dirty cotton and silk are also devoured. Moulds, especially surface moulds, usually attack vegetative weaves. The damage brought about by insects and moulds is referred to as biological damage in textile restoration. To prevent this damage and to combat it, a textile object is frozen. Fourteen days at -20ºC is enough to kill the insects. Mould spores are not killed, but freezing the mycelium dehydrates it, making it easier to remove it mechanically.
