A review on natural materials such as the saponins, starch and other active ingredients of plant, pancreas, grease and other animal extracts, plant ash, natural alkali and other minerals and microbial enzymes, which were historically applied in cleaning calligraphy and paintings. This research provides a brief introduction to the natural materials which have been applied in the cleaning of excavated silk textiles such as contaminated by blood stains, fat and other organic pollutants, microbial mildew spot and inorganic contaminants. The cleaning results showed that natural materials is safe and effective for cleaning excavated silk textiles. The natural materials for cleaning didn''t damage the textiles and is considered to be environmentally friendly. Their application is a significant progress in the protection of excavated silk textiles.