Quilt Care
The quilts I create are meant to be used on a regular basis, but a little TLC  will help your quilt(s) last for generations:

1) Quilts should laundered as infrequently as possible.

A light  vacuuming, or a gentle fluff in the dryer with a dryer sheet is usually all the care they will need if used by adults. Children tend to be less careful with their quilts and they might need to be washed more often.  Spills, "accidents" and tough stains should be dealt with immediately.

If your quilt becomes soiled,  use a mild soap such as Ivory Snow or Woolite  to gently spot treat any stains first to see if they can be removed easily.  If the stains come out, be sure to rinse all of the soap out and let the quilt dry throughly. If the stains do not come out to your satisfaction, retreat the spot(s) and place the quilt in your washing machine after you have filled the tub to its largest capacity with cool water. After adding more Ivory Snow, Woolite, or a specialized quilt soap, agitate it by hand.  (Machine agitation will stress the fibers and seams in your quilt). DO NOT "soak" your quilt in water. You may use your machine to spin most of the moisture from your quilt. Remove it promptly without tugging it, and lie it flat on a clean sheet in an area with good ventilation. Do not hang a wet quilt on a line while wet! Do not dry in direct sunlight!
When the quilt is 90-95% dry you can place it in your dryer on a delicate, low heat cycle for a very short time to be sure that all of the dampness is removed, and to soften it.

A few other precautions should be taken:

  • Quilts should be kept off the floor as much as possible. If used on the floor, be sure to thorughly shake your quilt off before folding and storing.
  • Quilts should never be stored in plastic. The best way to store a quilt that is used on a regular basis is to fold it with acid-free tissue between the folds and placed in a clean cotton pillowcase in a closet. Avoid storing quilts areas that are not climate controlled such as attics or basements.
  • Quilts that are used less frequently should be stored in acid-free cardboard boxes with acid-free tissue between the folds. Do not place quilts directly in hope chests or metal boxes since contact with wood and metal will stain and deteriorate the fabrics. Regular coardboard boxes are not suitable for storing quilts.
  • Quilts should be cleaned properly before being stored. Quilts should never be put away damp.
  • Do not store or display quilts in direct sunlight.
  • Limit your quilt's use by dogs and cats. Not only do pets tend to rip quilts with their toenails/claws, but their fur contains oils that will damage your quilt. Never leave a cat or dog unattended with a quilt-they have been known to chew off corners and make larger holes in them. Pets still think they are being pampered if they have their own special "blanket", but it should not be an heirloom quilt.