A quilt may have started as a gift from your grandmother, or it may have been a fair purchase. Either way, it needs extra care for long-term use.
Quilts are delicate, and incorrect washing can fade their colors or weaken the stitches. Clean and care for a quilt properly if you want to use it for the long term, especially when it may eventually be passed down.
Quilt care can be handled step by step, from checking the fabric before cleaning to washing and drying it carefully.
Quilt Assessment Before Cleaning
Start by checking the quilt for worn spots, faded colors, and loose threads. To test colorfastness, dampen a white cloth with warm water and press it against a hidden area. A modern or machine-made quilt may tolerate machine washing, while handmade and antique quilts are best gently handwashed; if the dye bleeds, use handwashing or spot cleaning and avoid the machine.
Clean Mama was founded by Becky Rapinchuk, a natural cleaning expert.
A quilt’s care label should be checked before cleaning. Becky Rapinchuk recommends mild detergent to help preserve the fabric and stitching, and most quilts can use a gentle cycle.
Quilt Cleaning
The main quilt cleaning methods are spot cleaning and handwashing.
Spot Cleaning Small Stains and Spills
Use spot cleaning for small stains and small spills on a quilt.
The Queen of Clean is Lynsey Crombie.
Lynsey Crombie recommends air drying the quilt flat on a clean surface. This helps prevent distortion, maintain the quilt’s shape, and support its longevity.
Gentle Quilt Handwashing
Handwashing is the gentlest option when a quilt needs a full cleaning. Handwash the quilt rather than using a harsher method.
The Green Cleaning Coach is Leslie Reichert.
For quilts, avoid bleach. Cleaning expert Leslie Reichert gives this safety advice because bleach can cause discoloration over time and can weaken fabric fibers.
Housewife How-Tos was written by Katie Berry, who is a cleaning expert.
Delicate quilts and antique quilts can be handwashed in a bathtub. Katie Berry recommends cool water and a gentle detergent for these quilts to help protect the fibers.
Machine Washing
A quilt can go in a front-loading washing machine, but machine washing is not suitable for every modern quilt. Use a small amount of mild detergent on a delicate cycle with cold water, and avoid fabric softener. For extra protection, place the quilt in a mesh bag or pillowcase. Top-loading machines can twist and pull the quilt fabric, which may cause damage.
Melissa Maker is the founder of Clean My Space.
For less wear on laundry, Melissa Maker of Clean My Space recommends a front-loading washing machine that does not use an agitator. This type of machine reduces wear and tear.
Dry Cleaning as a Last Resort
Handmade and antique quilts are not always safe for dry cleaning. Dry-cleaning chemicals can fade quilt colors and weaken quilt fibers, so consult a textile-care specialist before choosing this option. Dry cleaning may be recommended for heavily soiled or extremely delicate quilts.
Proper quilt cleaning supports long-term use.
Quilt Drying
A quilt can shrink or warp when it is dried improperly, and the process can damage its stitches. Do not rush quilt drying.
Safest Air Drying Option
A clean sheet or clean towel gives the quilt a flat surface for air drying, preferably in a well-ventilated area. While the quilt is damp, smooth out wrinkles and reshape it, then flip it occasionally so it dries evenly. Air drying requires patience, and the quilt should not be hung because its own weight can stretch it.
