If your handmade quilt is colorfast, you can wash it gently by hand in a mild
detergent. Be sure to pick a detergent that is free of dyes and fragrances. Use
cold or lukewarm water, whatever your colorfast test indicated. Fill a large
tub, your bathtub, or your washing machine with water with the right
temperature. Adding one-half of a cup of vinegar to the water can brighten the
colors. Gently move your quilt around in the water making sure the entire quilt
gets wet. Drain the water from the tub and fill it again with fresh water.
Gently swish your quilt around and continue draining and filling with fresh
water until the quilt and water are soap free. You'll know the quilt is
adequately rinsed when the water is clear (rather than cloudy) and free of soap
bubbles.
Machine Washing Your Quilt
Use caution if you decide to run your quilt through a washing machine cycle.
The agitation of the machine can cause older, more fragile quilts to fall apart.
Even new quilts with light stitching can unravel. Use a mild soap that is dye
and fragrance free. Fill the washing machine with cold or lukewarm water, as
determined by a colorfast test. Add vinegar if desired. Pick the shortest,
gentlest cycle your machine has.
Drying Quilts
After you've washed your quilt, whether by hand or machine, it needs to dry
properly. Handmade quilts should be dried laying flat. Pulling directly on a wet
quilt can break seams and cause damage. If you've hand washed the quilt, use
your washing machine to spin the quilt dry. If you've hand washed the quilt in a
separate tub, use a sheet as a sling to gently lift the wet quilt from the tub
of water. Allow excess water to drain. Place the quilt on towels, spread it out,
cover it with more towels, and gently press water out of the quilt. Using the
sheet sling, move the quilt to a new bed of towels, cover it with a clean dry
sheet, and allow it to dry. Or if possible, place it on a large drying rack in
an area with good ventilation. You can place a fan in the room with it, as well.
You can also dry your quilt outside on the ground, but first, put down some
towels or a sheet to keep the quilt from touching the grass. Cover the quilt
with a light sheet that will prevent sun damage, but allow the quilt to breathe.