2 Simple Ways to Wash Your Quilts

Washing a quilt can be a daunting task if you have never done it before. Here are some things to know before washing your quilt along with the steps to take to make washing a quilt easy.

Quilt Washing Tips

A few things to know before washing your quilt:

• If your quilt has any embellishments such as buttons, beads, gems, sequins, etc., you would want to take extra care when washing to prevent damage from these items or even damage to these embellishments.
• If your quilt is soiled or extremely dirty, you may need to wash it a few times to remove the dirt and grime.
• Please note it is important to avoid washing a quilt too frequently as this can cause unnecessary wear and tear to your quilt.
• If your quilt is very large, you may want to have someone available to assist in washing the quilt as a quilt can become very heavy with the water from washing and then can be hard to lift out of the tub or utility sink if it is very large.
• Do not hang your quilt on a clothesline as the weight of the wet fabric causes the quilt to stretch and it may become misshapen. Plus, if the clothesline is outside the sun can discolor the quilt.
• If you are going to be storing your quilt after washing it, be sure that it is completely dry to prevent mildew or musty smells from developing.
• Never use bleach on a quilt as it can damage the quilt fibers.
• Fabric softener should be avoided as it could cause damage to the quilt fibers. Instead try using vinegar or baking soda as an alternative to help soften the quilt fibers without damaging them.
• Use lukewarm or cool water when washing your quilt as hot water can damage the fibers and cause shrinking.
• Take care even when using a mild detergent as using too much detergent can leave a residue on your quilt which can cause discoloration and damage, as well as being hard to remove.
• Never iron or press your quilt as this can cause damage to the fibers and flatten the batting.
• A front-loading washing machine is the best choice when machine washing a quilt. Top loading machines with an agitator tend to have more movement and be harsher on delicate fabrics.
• Always use a gentle detergent that is specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. There are many available on the market.

Preparing Your Quilt

Before washing, it is important to take a few steps to ensure you have good results.

• Inspect the quilt for any signs of damage. Before washing your quilt, take a few minutes to inspect it carefully for any loose seams/threads, tears, holes, or other signs of damage. Then, repair any damage before washing to prevent further damage during the washing process.
• Spot-treat any stains: If your quilt has any stubborn stains, it is best to pre-treat these. There are many products on the market today that are made for delicate fabrics. Be sure to test it on a small inconspicuous area of the quilt to be sure it works before applying to more broadly.

There are three methods for washing a quilt which include: hand washing, machine washing and dry cleaning. The method you choose will depend upon the type of quilt you have. For instance, a store-bought quilt or tied quilt can easily be machine washed without any problems. While an heirloom quilt or even one that took you months (or longer) to create and will be an heirloom one day should be hand washed. A quilt that is very delicate or vintage can be hand washed or dry cleaned. Here we are going to talk about the hand washing and machine-washing methods, as dry cleaning is self-explanatory. Although, if you are going to dry clean a quilt, do some research so that you fine a dry cleaner who handles quilts.

Hand Washing a Quilt

1. Fill a tub or large utility sink with lukewarm or cool water, being sure to use enough water to fully submerge the quilt.
2. Add a small amount of detergent that is specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. Being careful to only add enough detergent to create a slight lather.
3. Place your quilt into the tub or utility sink.
4. Let the quilt soak for about 10 – 15 minutes, if desired.
5. Using your hands, gently move the quilt around in the water, being careful not to ring or twist the quilt.
6. When the water shows signs of dirt, drain it from the tub or utility sink.
7. Fill the tub or utility sink with fresh lukewarm or cool water and gently move the quilt around again to rinse any soap away.
8. Repeat if needed. Depending on how dirty the quilt was or if it had stains, you may need to repeat the washing and rinsing process a few times to fully clean the quilt.
9. Carefully remove the quilt from the tub or utility sink and gently press out the excess water. Once the excess water is removed, place the quilt on a large flat surface to air dry, turning it over periodically so that it dries evenly on both sides.

Machine Washing a Quilt

1. Choose the gentle cycle on your washing machine as this will be less likely to cause damage to the quilt’s fibers.
2. Add a small amount of detergent that is specifically formulated for delicate fabrics.
3. Wash the quilt by itself to prevent it from being tangled or damaged with or by other items.
4. Choose lukewarm or cold-water temperature to avoid shrinking or damaging the quilt.
5. Use the gentle spin cycle to prevent the quilt from becoming tangled or damaged in any way.
6. Carefully remove the quilt from the washing machine and gently press out any of the excess water. Once the excess water is removed, place the quilt on a large flat surface to air dry, turning it over periodically so that it dries evenly on both sides.