Its a Quilt Kinda World- Easy how to clean a quilt

With winter on the way it is time to start pulling out your winter woollies! Quilts otherwise known as donas are a beautiful addition to any home whether you use them on beds or as art for the walls. Antique or heirloom quilts require special care to be preserved for generations to come. For newer quilts, both hand-quilted and machine-quilted, care and cleaning directions can be found right here.

Basic Quilt Repair

Before you clean your vintage quilt, you'll need to repair any rips or tears in the fabric. Avoid the stress and bring it into elaundry where our very talented seamstresses with over 50yrs experience combined will be able to stitch your treasured quilt back to new again! However if you feel the need to mend the quilt yourself here are some helpful hints to help you!
1. Spread the quilt out on a bed or on top of a sheet on the floor and examine carefully for any worn patches, tears or stains.
2. If you are a good seamstress, repair the quilt yourself by using small stitches and thread and fabric that match the design and colors of your quilt. There are sources of vintage or period-specific fabrics to patch your quilt or reproduction vintage fabrics can be used replace damaged areas.

Cleaning Your Antique Quilt

Vintage quilts require special care during cleaning. Do not dry clean or machine wash an heirloom piece. Dry cleaning chemicals can permanently harm old fabrics and the agitation action of a washing machine can cause fibers to shred. However at elaundry we will treat your quilt with the expertise of our Delicate General Manager. If you want to stick to a DYI that is simply fine also we have included some helpful tips and tricks to getting the best clean out of your Quilt.  
1. Begin by airing your quilt outside on a sunny day to restore freshness.
2.To remove dust, vacuum with a nylon stocking over the end of vacuum hose and hold the hose slightly above the top of the quilt. If the quilt has beading, embroidery or applique, do not vacuum. You could damage the work.

Hand Washing Heirloom Quilts

If you feel that you quilt must be washed, begin by checking the fabric for colorfastness. Testing is simple, wet a piece of white cloth with cold water and gently rub it over each different color or fabric in your quilt. If there is any color transfer to the white cloth, don’t wash your quilt at all. Washing will result in discoloration and fading.
If you have hard water or iron bacteria in your water source, you should use distilled water for washing your quilt. You don’t want to risk having minerals stain your fabric.
To hand-wash, fill a deep, laundry sink or bathtub with cold water. Be certain that the sink or tub is very clean and has no residue from cleaning agents that could cause damage to the quilt. Use a liquid detergent that is gentle and free of dyes and perfumes. A liquid detergent will disperse in the water and leave less residue on the fabric. Add 1/2 cup vinegar to the water to both brighten colors and soften the quilt.

Place your quilt in the water, being certain that the entire quilt gets wet. Gently move your quilt around in the water. Allow the quilt to remain in the water for about 10 minutes. Next, drain the wash water and fill the tub again with fresh water. Repeat draining and refilling the tub until the water and quilt are soap free – clear water and no suds.

How to Store A Quilt

If you plan to store your freshly laundered quilt, be certain it is completely dry. Allow an extra 24 to 48 hours for drying before storing. One of the best ways to store a quilt is on an extra bed. Keeping the quilt flat will eliminate creases and wear on folds. Simple cover the quilt with a clean sheet or bedspread.

If flat is not an option, store the quilt in a cotton or muslin bag or in an acid-free box. Do not store in areas where moisture and temperature levels will fluctuate. Before you fold the quilt, use acid-free tissue paper as padding to prevent sharp creases. You can also roll your quilt around an acid-free tube and slip it in a cotton bag.
If you are storing your quilt in a wooden box or dresser, wrap it in the acid-free tissue to avoid contact with the wood. Oils and acids in the wood can cause spotting and damage. Once a year, bring your quilt out of storage to air and to check for damage. Refolding will also prevent permanent creases and damage.
Proper care of your beautiful quilt will insure it will last for generations to come.

If you have any questions please feel free to email us! We love to hear from you and help out when ever possible!