We always find that quilts come in different colors, shapes and patterns. But how to keep its color, shape and pattern is very important, because it will help you extend the life of your quilt.
In this article, we will show you:
*How to wash a quilt by hand?
*How to wash a quilt by machine?
*How to store a quilt?
*How often should you wash your quilt?
How to wash a quilt by hand?
If your quilts are vintage quilts, hand-quilted quilts, and hand-appliquéd quilts by hand, they must be delicate, hand wash is the best way. Here are the steps.
Step 1: Inspect the Quilt. Check the quilt firstly to make sure there’s no any damage or stains. Pre-treat stains with an appropriate stain remover, mend any holes, rips, or tears, and trim away any loose threads.
Step 2: Prepare a Place with Enough Room. A large tub or sink is a proper place, but make sure it is clean firstly, then fill it with appropriate amount of cold water and gentle, dye-free, perfume-free liquid detergent.
Step 3: Submerge, Soak, Gently Agitate and Rinse the Quilt. Submerge the quilt entirely in the water. Then use your hands to gently agitate it for 10-15 minutes to ensure the water and detergent penetrate its fibers, dislodging dirt and grime. After that, drain the soapy water, and refill with fresh water. Agitate the quilt in the water again to remove any remaining detergent. Repeat the rinse process until the water runs clear.
Step 4: Air Dry. A wet quilt can be surprisingly heavy, so if you do not have a large flat rack, lay the quilt flat on dry towels. Put more thick towels on top of the quilt to help soak up some of the water. If you have enough towels, you can press or roll up the quilt between the towel beds and then move the quilt to another layer of towels to finish drying.
How to wash a quilt by machine?
If your quilts are delicate, machine wash is not advisable. Most commercially made quilts can be machine washed. But check the tag firstly, if the tag says it’s safe to machine wash, you can do so.
Step 1: Inspect the Quilt. Check the quilt firstly to make sure there’s no any damage or stains. Pre-treat stains with an appropriate stain remover, mend any holes, rips, or tears, and trim away any loose threads.
Step 2: Test for Colorfastness. Test the quilt for colorfastness to keep the dyes from running and fading. Gently rub a wet and white cloth over the different colors on the quilt. If the colors rub off onto the white cloth, you will want to avoid washing it at home in the washing machine.
Step 3: Select Washer Settings. Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle and choose cold water. I also recommend washing with a gentle, dye-free, perfume-free liquid detergent. If desired, you can also add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to the washer to help keep the colors bright.
Step 4: Drying the Quilt Gently. The quilt can be partially dried in the dryer on the lowest heat setting and then let it air dry to preserve its color.
How to store a quilt?
It is real that storing a quilt on a bed is the best way.
If you do not have extra bed, you can store the quilt flat in a dry part of the house with a stable temperature. If you do not have enough room for keep it flat, you can also store it in a muslin or cotton bag in a dark closet with a dry temperature, but remember to air them out occasionally to keep them fresh and cozy.
How often should you wash your quilt?
Unlike bedding such as sheets and comforters, quilts should not be washed frequently to preserve bright colors and avoid causing stress on seams. Consider using a quilt sleeve or cover to protect the quilt, then you can wash the sleeve or cover frequently only and washing a quilt 1-2 times a year is ideal. If not use a sleeve or cover, you can wash a regularly-used quilt once per season.
Conclude: Washing a quilt is not a difficult task. Pay more attention on the washing and caring, your quilts can be fresh and cozy for a longer time. Remember to read the tag before washing so that you can make a right choice for hand wash or machine wash.
