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!