It is better to wash your quilt by hand or in a washing machine if it is dirty.You can dry your quilt in the dryer, outdoors, or indoors with a fan.It is a good idea to air out your quilt frequently.Spot treat the quilt as needed.If you have a delicate quilt, use a lint roller instead of a vacuum.
Step 1: Take the quilt apart.
Guidelines for washing and drying can be found on a care tag.Follow the instructions provided if there is one.The quilt should be checked for loose seams or lace.Do you know if there are any saturated or contrasting colors?Quilts should not be washed in a washing machine.Before washing the quilt, the loose seams should be repaired.It is possible that Quilts with vivid colors may bleed.The white cotton fabric needs to be tested with hot water.If any color comes off, Rub the saturated area.You can use a color catcher product in the washing machine.
Step 2: An appropriate detergent can be found here.
Choose a liquid-based detergent that is odorless and tasteless.Special laundry soap can be purchased for quilts.Use baby wash instead of laundry detergent.It is safe to use castile soap on quilts.
Step 3: Cold water and a gentle cycle can be used.
If your quilt is delicate, you can wash it in a tub.The quilt should be stirred gently in the water after the detergent has dissolved.Do not use hot water to wash a handmade quilt.The wash and spin cycles of your washing machine should not be used.If your quilt is yellowed or has an odor, you should soak it in cold water.If you want to make sure no detergent remains on the fabric, you should wash the quilt in cold water a second time.
Step 4: If you wish, add a dash of vinegar to the wash.
You can put half a cup into your wash cycle.It will help keep the quilt's colors bright.
Step 5: Carefully transfer the quilt to its dry location.
You should support the weight of the quilt.Don't pull on any part of the fabric if you hold it like a baby.Threads in the quilt may pop if the weight isn't properly supported.
Step 6: If desired, dry on low with clothing.
This works for quality fabric quilts.The quilt can be dry.Lay it flat on a rack or outside to dry.If you put your quilt in the sun, don't iron it.
Step 7: Take the quilt outside.
It is possible to dry your quilt outside if it is dusty or has an odor.Direct sunlight can fade fabric, so find an area in the shade.Spread it out on the ground or hang it on a balcony.If you spread it on the ground, place a bedsheet underneath it and another on top of it.Take the corners out.If you want to dry a quilt on a balcony, you can spread it out on top of a mattress pad.Spread another mattress pad on top if birds are a concern.When the top is almost dry, turn the quilt over.
Step 8: You can air-dry the quilt.
Place the quilt on a rack if the weather is not appropriate for drying outdoors.At least one of the mattress pads should be waterproof.You can blow a fan towards the quilt for a day.
Step 9: Do not wash your quilt if you need to.
It is advisable to wash your quilt only when it is dirty.Even if you use it daily, you should wash your quilt once a year.In between washings, put it on a drying rack.If your quilt is a decorative accent that is rarely used, it's a good idea to air it out a few times a year.If the quilt is used by children, pets, or someone in the home with allergies, you may need to wash it more often.
Step 10: It's a good idea to refresh the scent of the quilt without washing it.
Place the quilt in a sealed bag with a bar of soap for a day or two.It's possible to use a fabric freshener product, just make sure to test a small area first for color-fastness.
Step 11: As needed, spot clean your quilt.
If you want to treat stains, you can use a quilt soap or white vinegar.Make sure you don't rub the stain.To flush the area with cold water, put a white cloth below the quilt.Don't use detergent that contains bleach.If the lines are from the quilting process, you can either brush off the white lines or use a damp cloth.You can remove gray lines with a gum eraser.
Step 12: The lint roller or vacuum is needed.
Rub the front and back of the quilt with a lint roller.lint, pet hair, thread tails and loose threads will be removed.If your quilt is not very delicate, you can vacuum it using a brush attachment covered with pantyhose.
Step 13: You can keep your quilt in a dark place.
Place your quilt in a bag if it isn't being used.Before storing the quilt, make sure it is clean.Refold it every month.Air out your quilt when you take it out of storage, outside or in a drier.Try storing your quilt in a cotton pillowcase.