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Quilt
TLC
New or old, a quilt deserves special consideration
when used as a decorative accessory. Vintage quilts are often fragile;
they deserve a showcase, but they also deserve a little TLC to keep
them intact for years to come. How, then, and where, can you display
your collection for optimum viewing while preserving it, too?
Quilts, like people, just want to be comfortable.
They don’t like temperature extremes, humidity, direct sunlight,
tobacco smoke, mice or insects, or nasty spills. Take heed of the
following to keep them safe while enjoying their beauty.
Never store quilts in places with temperature extremes
or high humidity. Basements and attics are out. So are garages!
Too much sun fades quilts, so using and displaying
them in direct sunlight is not recommended. That means that you
may have to get creative with the methods you use and the places
you choose to display or use them. If you’re having a party
in your sunroom, you can use a quilt as a temporary accent—just
don’t leave it there after the party is over.
Even some sun on a daily basis can harm quilts over
the long term. To lower the risk of sun fading, have transparent,
low-E film installed on the windows in any room where you will display
a quilt. It will help keep the sun’s harmful radiation from
damaging a precious heirloom.
A smoke-free environment will prevent quilts from
yellowing and disintegrating over time, too. Don’t provide
ashtrays in rooms where quilts reside and ask smokers to step outside.
Display quilt treasures out of reach of small children and pets.
Sticky fingers and cat’s claws are dangerous! If quilts are
hung too low, they are also in danger of being brushed by your pet’s
fur—another way they can accumulate unwanted oil and dirt.
Give them a rest. Don’t leave a valuable quilt
in one place for months or years on end. Rotating your treasures
provides a new look to a room and it gives the quilt time to relax
in the dark.
Keep them clean. If you cannot launder a vintage
quilt, this is especially important. Periodically “dry clean”
a quilt on display by holding a piece of fiberglass screening (from
the lumber or hardware store) on the quilt surface and using your
vacuum to remove surface dust and insects. Be sure to do this before
putting away a quilt that’s been on display.
Store quilts in a cool, dry, dark place, wrapped
in well-used sheets or pillowcases. Never store them in plastic
bags—they trap moisture and insects. If storing in a cardboard
box, line the box first with several layers of acid-free paper and
change the paper periodically to keep quilts free from harmful substances
that can leach through from the cardboard.
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