Proper Care for a Quilt

A quilt is more than a blanket. It is a story, a legacy. It is nothing short of a work of art. This explains why quilts have passed down through the generations for as long as humankind has been making them. Since these heirlooms have such historic and cultural value, proper care for our quilts is paramount to ensure they are handed down through as many future generations as possible. It seems like a daunting task, but you might be surprised how a few simple precautions will add decades to the life of your treasured quilt or blanket. Quilts usually fall into two separate categories. There are those that we use regularly or keep on open display, and some that are stored out of sight to be better preserved for our children and grandchildren. Quilts in both categories are subject to the detrimental effects of the same elements: light, temperature, humidity, insects, dust and dirt, and improper storage or display. Some of these are easier to combat than others, but with a little conscientious care, many mistakes can be avoided.

Cleaning
Before handling your quilts, always wash your hands with soap and water to remove any dirt, oil, acid, or salt, all of which can damage textiles. It may seem obvious to attempt to clean the quilts that you use regularly, but the use of soaps and chemicals can be more traumatic than letting your quilt remain soiled. Proper cleaning usually requires techniques learned through extensive training, so anything that requires more than a little water should be left to a professional cleaner or even a textile conservator.

One easy thing you can do to keep your quilt clean is vacuum it regularly with a low-powered, hand-held vacuum cleaner. Any vacuuming of quilts should be done gently. Run the vacuum slowly over the surface of the quilt in long straight passes. Avoid rubbing the vacuum cleaner back and forth, which can cause abrasions to the fabric.

Proper Storage and Display
When displaying or storing your quilts, make sure they are out of any sunlight that may stream through your windows. Even exposure to electric light sources can cause fading and over-drying of the fabric, as light bulbs emit heat. Keep your quilt away from registers and heating ducts. Exposure to even moderate temperature changes can cause the fabric to expand and contract, thus causing unnecessary stress on your textile.

If you are moving a fragile quilt, be sure to gently fold or roll the quilt on something that can support its weight, such as a quilt rack or a clean tray. Proper display of a quilt requires a quilt rack, which will provide the necessary support while keeping your textiles elevated. Be sure to carefully refold both displayed quilts and stored quilts every six months or so to prevent permanent creases in the fabric.

Pass it on...
These few simple precautions take so little time compared to how much life you will add to your quilt. Remember that when it comes time to hand a treasured quilt to a child or grandchild, be sure to pass along these simple care instructions as well.