Caring for Your Quilt
Every quilt purchase in our store comes with a copy of our washing and care instructions, ensuring that you have the knowledge to properly care for your handmade quilt. Our sales specialists are well-versed in quilt maintenance, and they are always ready to address any concerns you may have regarding the upkeep of your quilt. Handmade quilts are meant to be used and cherished, and we genuinely want you to fully enjoy the longevity of your quilt, so that it can remain an heirloom in your family for many generations to come.
The longevity of a quilt relies entirely on the level of care it receives throughout its lifespan. Unfortunately, we frequently hear stories from customers who have inherited handmade quilts from their deceased family members, only to discover that these precious quilts are deteriorating due to a lack of proper care. Then there are also tales of individuals who have diligently maintained their family heirloom quilts, resulting in their pristine condition that has endured for many years. This highlights the significance of understanding how to properly care for your quilt, ensuring its preservation for countless future generations, which is at the core of our quilters’ commitment to heirloom quality.
Machine Washing Instructions
Frequent washing is not recommended for your quilt, but when necessary, here is some guidance.
When it comes to cleaning your handmade quilt, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines in order to maintain its quality. All of our quilts are designed for everyday use and can withstand machine washing. To ensure proper cleaning, it is important to use a large washing machine without an agitator in the center, allowing the quilt to spread out. Additionally, it is recommended to use cold water and select a gentle or delicate cycle with mild laundry detergent, such as Woolite or All-American Quilt Wash. For added benefits, we suggest adding half a cup of white vinegar during the first wash only, as it acts as a natural fabric softener without causing any damage to the materials.
If your quilt contains numerous vibrant or striking colors along with white fabrics, we highly advise incorporating Shout Color Catcher Sheets during the initial wash. You can easily find these sheets at any grocery store, typically located near the dryer sheets. It is important to place these color-catcher sheets directly in the washing machine with the quilt. By doing so, they will capture any potential color bleeding from the fabrics, effectively safeguarding the rest of the materials.
Drying Your Quilt
Lastly, make sure not to put your beautiful handmade quilt in the dryer! It is important to keep the quilt away from heat as it may cause it to shrink and the colors to fade. We highly recommend hanging the quilt to dry by placing it over a drying rack, a shower curtain rod, or an outside line. Another option is to lay it over your deck railing, with a bed sheet underneath and another on top, to protect it from scratches and stains from the wood and sun damage. If the quilt becomes stiff after air drying, you can use the air fluff setting on your dryer, without any heat, to soften the materials.
What if I don’t have access to a large washing machine?
If your washing machine is not big enough and/or has an agitator in the center, you can also consider taking your quilt to a dry cleaner. However, it is important to avoid getting it dry-cleaned as the chemicals used in the process can harm and shrink the quilt. A dry cleaner will have an adequately sized washing machine to clean your handmade quilt and will possess the necessary expertise on how to properly clean it. Additionally, they will have a sufficient hanging line to allow the quilt to air dry. You can also bring your quilt to the laundromat, where you will have access to a large front-loader washing machine. Once removed from the machine, the quilt will be wet and quite heavy. It is advisable to place the wet quilt in a spacious bag, take it home, and promptly hang it somewhere secure for drying.
Hand-Washing & Spot-Cleaning
In addition, there is the option to wash your quilt by hand in a tub or perform spot-cleaning to tackle specific areas. If you encounter any stains or spots on your fabric, the most effective remedies for removing them are white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. It is crucial to avoid wringing your quilt dry, as this action may result in the stretching and warping of the materials. Instead, it is recommended to allow the water to naturally drip out of the quilt before proceeding to hang it up for drying. Ensuring the safety of your quilt, always choose a secure space to hang it while it undergoes the drying process.
Storing Your Quilt
When it comes to the storage of your handmade quilt, it is crucial to avoid using plastic bags as they restrict the cotton materials from breathing. The lack of breathability in plastic bags leads to humidity inside the bag, which can cause the cotton weaving in the fabric to separate and become frayed. This is also why it is not advisable to store your quilt in a humid or damp space like the attic or basement. Many individuals who make this mistake often discover that their quilts have frayed and developed sweat spots due to the moisture over years of storage. Therefore, the most effective method of storing a quilt when it is not in use is to carefully fold it and wrap it in a cotton bed sheet or place it inside a pillowcase. It should then be stored in a dry environment such as a closet. This will ensure the optimal preservation of your quilt.
Although these care instructions may appear demanding, we assure you that by diligently tending to your exquisite, handcrafted quilt, you will not only preserve its timeless beauty but also prolong its lifespan for generations to cherish.
Need a new quilt? Visit us in person in Lancaster County or shop online. We even offer virtual shopping appointments. This beautiful quilts make a statement in any home.