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Stitches in Time: Restoration Basics
Page 3
What Do I Do with a Dirty Quilt?
Cleaning a quilt is often considered a "dirty word"
in the quilt world, as the wrong method can result in irreparable damage.
However, with care and a dose of caution, cleaning a dirty quilt is possible.
Before proceeding, however, you must determine the colorfastness of the
fabrics in the quilt in question. Test all fabrics by stroking each one
with a clean, damp, white cotton cloth. If any color comes off onto the
white cloth, the dye is not fast and wet washing is not recommended. If,
however, the fabrics prove to be color-fast, use the following wet washing
procedure:
1. Fill the washing machine tub with warm water.
2. Add liquid detergent and non-chlorine bleach such
as Snowy™ bleach to the water. Make sure the two are well blended
throughout the tub of water.
3. Gently lower the quilt into the tub of water and
allow to soak for 2 to 3 hours. Periodically during the soaking time,
use a hand-washing motion to carefully and gently move the quilt up and
down in the water. DO NOT USE THE AGITATION CYCLE ON THE MACHINE.
4. Turn the dial to the final spin cycle to drain the
water from the tub.
5. To rinse, fill the washer with clean, warm water
and hand agitate as described in step 3. Again, set the dial on the final
spin cycle to drain the water from the tub.
6. Repeat the rinsing process described in step 5 as
many times as necessary to remove all soap residue.
7. Gently lift the quilt from the tub, taking care
not to overhandle or stretch it out of shape. Spread the damp quilt out
on a spare bed to dry. It should take about 24 hours. Fold only when completely
dry. CAUTION: DO NOT HANG THE QUILT TO DRY, INDOORS OR OUT. DO NOT DRY
IN THE SUNLIGHT.
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