Caring for Quilts
A. Long-Term Storage
Flat is absolutely the best if room is available. Especially for old quilts, being stored flat eliminates stress on the fabrics and the stitching and, of course, avoids fold lines. Rolling is probably second best since it avoids fold lines and doesn’t cause too much stress. Folding is okay if precautions are taken, such as padding the folds with acid-free paper and re-folding the quilt on a regular basis.
Carol Nussbaumer, Estes Park, CO
Using the core from a roll of batting is a great way to store large quilts. Wrap the core with archive quality tissue before wrapping your quilt around it. Sew up a tube and slip the entire rolled quilt into the fabric tube to protect it. Never store your quilts touching wood (like in a wooden chest). It will stain them and leave brown marks.
I’m not lucky enough to have an extra bedroom where I can lay quilts flat on the bed, but I do have an unused bathroom where I hang a lot of quilts over the shower rod!
Karen Martin, Breezy Point, MN
Flat storage eliminates creasing. I have two large portfolios made of heavy fabric with a full zipper closure and handles which I purchased on clearance. My miniatures and smaller wall hangings fit in them nicely. I layer them with acid-free paper, put a tag listing the contents on the handle, and store the portfolios horizontally. They are breathable and keep the contents clean and crease-free. Wall hangings that are too large for this method are stored in a rolled manner. I have swimming pool noodles that are stiffened with a length of 1 × 1 wood down the center hole. The noodles are wrapped in plastic and then the quilts are rolled around the noodle in layers. The whole thing is slipped into a storage bag I made of ripstop nylon with a draw-string closure. It also has a tag that lists the contents. For the largest quilts that do not conform to either method, I fold them using acid-free paper between layers and store each in a pillowcase or self made bag of muslin. On the outside is a tag with the name of the quilt and the last date it was refolded. Refolding is necessary, especially if it is being stored for a long time, to decrease the potential for permanent creasing.
Nancee McCann, Wilmington, DE
Flat is best if you have the room. I stack quilts on my guest bed for storage, turning the one on the top of the pile right side down. They lie flat, and only the back of the top one is exposed to light. When guests come, I fold the extra quilts and stack them on a nearby shelf. They add such a homey feel to the room.
Susan Dippon, Alexandria, VA
I usually fold the corners up diagonally, then fold the quilt into a rectangle and then roll the rectangle. I do not have room to leave quilts flat or to keep them rolled because I make many large quilts.
Joan Oldham, Panama City, FL
I was always told to fold a queen size quilt in thirds, then roll it like a sleeping bag to cause minimum fold lines/creases.
Leanne Skoloda, New Holland, PA
I fan fold my quilts. My theory is that each time I fold the quilt, it is along a slightly different line so a permanent fold doesn’t develop.
I fan fold my quilts. My theory is that each time I fold the quilt, it is along a slightly different line so a permanent fold doesn’t develop.
Anna Osborn, Omaha, NE
I read somewhere that a quilt artist ships her quilts in a box and just stuffs them into a box with instructions that they send them back the same way—no creases.
Linda Ahn, Mohrsville, PA
I roll my quilts, put them in a cotton pillowcase, and then store them in my cedar chest.
Karel Umble, New Holland, PA
Because I have cats, I use a lint roller on all my quilts before storing them to get the majority of hair off them.
Kathleen Van Orsdel, Talbott, TN
B. Laundering Quilts
I launder quilts with organic detergent in the washing machine. Unless a quilt has gotten really dirty, I use the delicate cycle. I always line dry quilts with their backs to the sun.
Wendy Akin, Terrell, TX
An old quilter told me once that she launders her quilts with just a squeeze of dish soap to remove oils. She doesn’t use any detergents unless absolutely necessary for dirt removal. For stains, she uses Grandma’s Spot Removal. I took her advice to heart and have used all of her methods since I started quilting and have never had any problems.
Lisa Hughes, Richland, NY
Our state quilters’ organization toured the restoration area of the Kansas Historical Museum several years ago. They had a special display up for us; one part I will never forget. They had several identical quilt blocks displayed. One had never been washed, one washed once, and so on until the last had been washed 10 times. That last one was just a rag; it was shocking. At that minute, I decided to limit the times my quilts would be laundered. They also told us that they didn’t try to get antique quilts “clean,” but rather just tried to stop any further deterioration. They put a screen over the top and vacuumed the quilt through the screen. I was convinced to try to gently use my quilts, but not to launder them to death.
Nancy Swanwick, Fort Scott, KS
If a quilt absolutely needs laundering, I put it in the washing machine with warm water and gentle, quilt-friendly soap. I use Ivory. I let it agitate for 3 seconds, turn it off and let it soak overnight. I spin the water out, fill the washer again with warm water for a rinse session, let it soak overnight, then spin it out again. I then remove the quilt and spread it on a clean sheet where I can leave it undisturbed to dry flat. This technique is friendly to the fabric and batting fibers.
Lauren Devantier, Amherst, NY
For laundering a quilt, I use my daughter’s front-loading washer because it is more gentle than my agitator type.
Joanne Picicci, Spokane, WA
My quilts are all made to be used and loved, so regular washing is expected. I usually make the quilt the only item in the load and wash it with cold water on the gentle cycle with a gentle permanent press cycle in the dryer. The quilt comes out damp, so I spread it on the bed and keep the ceiling fan on until it is completely dry.
The quilts I own I launder with mild laundry soap and a cup of white vinegar. I have never had colors bleed into each other or into the background fabric. The white vinegar helps set the colors. I do not dry them in the dryer, but wait for a nice day and then hang them on my wash lines with a thin sheet over them to protect them from birds.
Barb Carper, Lancaster, PA
I put the quilt in the machine for a regular wash. I put the quilt in the dryer and partially dry it. Then I take it out, put it on the floor in my sewing room and square the quilt by sticking pins through the quilt into the carpet. I let the quilt finish drying.
Marti Blankenship, Pleasant Valley, MO
I fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and mild soap, put the quilt in, and knead it gently. I drain the water, refill with cool water, and knead to rinse. I repeat this until the soap is gone. The best way to dry a wet, heavy quilt is to put a sheet out on the lawn away from birds and lay the quilt out on it.
Kathy Kelleher, Kennebunk, ME
Art quilts and many small decorative wall quilts may not ever need laundering, but they may need vacuuming using a protective material, such as netting, over the vacuum suction.
Patricia Dews, Gainesville, VA
I learned you should use soap on quilts, but not detergent. I use Orvus paste which I buy at Farm & Fleet for about $8–$10/gallon, which lasts several years. I think its intended use is for washing animals.
Mary Coudray, Belleville, WI
I spot clean quilts with LOC from Amway, and then hang them in the sun so the sun can bleach it.
Wendy Oyler, Canandaigua, NY
I use a product called Vintage Textile Soak in the washing machine with warm water when I have a stained quilt.
Lauren Devantier, Amherst, NY
I have found that dabbing rubbing alcohol on stubborn stains, rinsing with clear water, and then rubbing in dishwashing detergent and rinsing again works best.
Barbara Merritt, Brackney, PA
I use the old-fashioned Fels Naptha soap to pre-treat any stains before washing the quilt.
Donna Hill, Brimley, MI
Cat throw-up is the type of stain I get most often. For that, I remove the throw-up with either a paper towel or soft towel, and wipe with water, followed by Nature’s Miracle, which is specifically formulated for pet accidents.
I lay the quilts in the grass and let the sun and the chlorophyll in the grass do their work.
Patricia Dews, Gainesville, VA
I have used baking soda and vinegar soaks on just the spots. Then I lay the quilts in the grass and let the sun and the chlorophyll in the grass do their work.
Ann Roadarmel, Elysburg, PA
Recently a friend spilled water on red fabric and it bled to the white background of the quilt. My suggestion was to use Spray N Wash with a Q-tip. I placed a towel behind the spot so the liquid would not spread. It took several tries, but it did work. I was careful to rinse out as much Spray N Wash as possible.
Mary Andra Holmes, Prescott, AZ
I put some club soda on a Q-tip and lightly dab the spot.
Yolanda Hernandez, San Antonio, TX
For unknown stains on newer quilting, I have had great luck with Vivid bleach. It’s my go-to stain remover.
Kim Loar, Lancaster, PA
One of the hardest stains to remove, and one that really upsets me, is if a quilt has been pulled off the bed and is lying on the floor and someone comes in and steps on the quilt, particularly with black rubber soled shoes. That really ticks me off. Removing that black rubber mark is nearly impossible, and it always occurs on a light-colored quilt! Resolve Carpet Cleaner is the best thing I have found to use. I would not use that product on a vintage quilt, but I do risk it on a quilt that I can replace.
Marti Blankenship, Pleasant Valley, MO
I’ve used Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover, Oxyclean and peroxide. They all work well. I soak the spot, rub as little as possible, and soak some more if needed. Usually one of these three products will work.
Vicki DiFrancesco, Conowingo, MD
First I try a gum eraser to remove a spot. Then, I use an old handkerchief dipped in water and Dial liquid dish detergent.
Donna Oertel, Midland, MI
I use Tide Stain Release. This does not affect colors and is excellent at removing anything.
Sally Zimmer, Bark River, MI
Recently, I was ripping apart a vintage, badly hand sewn, incomplete top which had some stained squares. I put them in a salad spinner and gave them a good soaking in water and a product called Retro Clean. I rinsed and spun them several times, and the squares came out clean.
Nancee McCann, Wilmington, DE
I use Dawn dish detergent for grease spots and Carbona stain removers for others.
Leslie Emma, Raleigh, NC
Your Favorite Causes to Donate Quilts to, According to Our Survey
I donate small scrap quilts when I travel to underdeveloped counties. My last trip was to the Dominican Republic, and I was able to donate clothing and supplies to both Dominican and Haitian poor. I can afford to travel, so I give back to the country when I can.
Joanne Dennis, Whitehorse, Yukon
I have a quilt soap bar (Quilter’s Soap by Sallye Anders) that I bought in Lancaster, PA. It has never failed to remove stains in quilts or other clothing. It isn’t pretty and doesn’t smell good, but it is a wonderful product.
Carol Baruschke, Dunedin, FL
I mix a little rubbing alcohol and Dawn detergent and gently rub the stain with a toothbrush.
Wilma Scholl, Kaufman, TX
The best trick I know is to coat the stain with a thick layer of natural yogurt before machine washing. I recently did this with a blood- and coffee-stained Baltimore Album quilt, and the results were astounding.
Sue Sacchero, Safety Bay, Australia
Obviously, do not dry a stained quilt in the dryer because the stain will set.
Liz Brown, Annapolis, MD
I have had some success with a Tide stick or other detergent cleaners. If all else fails, appliqué a butterfly or flower over the stain.
Myra Tallman, Mindemoya, Ontario
As a last resort, I’ve used hair spray and a quick rub between my hands, dunking in warm water immediately. If that doesn’t work, I love the stain/spot, just as I do my wrinkles on my face.
Nancy Fairchild, Crossville, TN
If there was still a spot on an antique quilt after a normal washing, I would probably just leave it. To me, the spot would just add character to the quilt. I might even make up a story to explain how it got there!
Susanne Hilton, Laurel, MD
D. Other Tips for Caring for Quilts
For “the favorite” quilt that’s on the couch and used regularly, I always try to fold it differently when straightening up the room. That way, folds aren’t in the same place, putting stress on the same threads. I also fold the quilt with the outside bound edges tucked inside rather than sticking out on the edge, as they get a lot of wear with use as it is. Bound edges don’t need to be exposed to more wear, like someone’s back leaning and rubbing against them.
I use canned air to do quick air bursts on wall hangings to clean off dust and dirt.
I hang quilts up outside in the shade to get that fresh air scent back in them. Nothing smells as fresh as a quilt hung outside!
Colleen Potts, Pottsville, PA
I hang quilts up outside in the shade to get that fresh air scent back in them. Nothing smells as fresh as a quilt hung outside!
Liz Herrara, Mays Landing, NJ
If quilts need a quick freshening up, I run them through the dryer with a damp cloth that has a tiny drop of lavender essential oil.
Marsha Woodruff, Greeley, CO
Keep quilts out of direct sunlight. Air them monthly on a slightly windy day.
Fran Shaffer, Coatesville, PA
I store quilts out of sunlight in a metal shelving unit. The rods which form the shelves allow air circulation. The unit is covered by a canvas cover made for it. I tie lavender sachets inside the unit on the posts, not touching the quilts, to repel moths and other bugs.
Katherine Schaffer, Lima, NY
To iron a large finished quilt, I lay it on my bed and iron it there.
Carol Baruschke, Dunedin, FL
I never store quilts in plastic bags of any kind. I either use acid-free tissue paper or a cloth covering.
Kim Loar, Lancaster, PA
I always make at least one matching pillowcase to use for storing the quilt when it’s not in use. A matching pillowcase also makes it quick and easy to find the quilt I’m looking for.
Trudy McKinnon, Redcliff, Alberta
I hang some of my antique quilts on rods around the house. They are rotated as the year moves along. One extremely fragile quilt, dated 1840, I store in an acid-free box. A couple of times a year, I re-fold it and put it in new acid-free paper.
Carol Nussbaumer, Estes Park, CO
I constantly rotate the use of my quilts. Every week when I change the beds, on all three beds I change quilts as well. If it was on the quilt rack, it goes to the bed. If it was on the bed, it gets rolled on pool noodles and goes back to the closet. There is always a new look to every room.
Denise Monday, Jacksboro, TN
We go away for the winter so, before we leave, I take every quilt, table runner, and wall hanging and lay them all out on the bed in the guest room to relax over the winter.
Betty Gray, Denver, IA