How to Clean a Quilt
- 1). Try removing the dust from your quilt. If your dryer has a gentle, no-heat cycle, put the quilt in the dryer with several fabric softener sheets. That should remove a great deal of dust and hair.
- 2). Find a clean surface and vacuum your quilt with your vacuum on low power. Use a clean brush attachment. If there is embroidery or appliqué on your quilt, use a screen between the vacuum and the fabric to avoid pulling out stitches and batting.
- 3). If your quilt has a musty odor, drape it over a railing on top of a sheet or towel. Clotheslines put too much stress on old fabric by concentrating all the weight in one spot.
- 4). If you do not have a railing, lay a large sheet on the ground. Put your quilt over it and lay another sheet on top of your quilt to protect it from the bright sun.
- 5). If there are stains on some of the fabric, use sodium perborate in a paste to remove them. Rub it gently, let it dry and then vacuum as above.
- 6). Do not wash your quilt unless you have no other alternative. If it is an important or expensive quilt, take it first to someone who has experience in restoring old fabric. Quilts more than 200 years old do not have stable dye and will lose both color and fabric when exposed to water. If your quilt is newer and you want to try washing as a last resort, realize it may damage the quilt. Wash in a gentle cycle in cold water with mild detergent, then proceed as above to dry as in steps 3 and 4.