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How Should a Quilt Be Washed?
When you consider the many hours put into the creation of a quilt it is only logical that the utmost care should be taken in preserving its beauty. Often quilts are destroyed by improper care and cleaning. A well constructed quilt, stitched at the proper intervals for the batting used, will was beautifully. The weight of a quilt when wet can cause stress to the fibers of the fabric and batting if lifted improperly or if too much agitation is involved. Ensure® Quilt Wash was designed to gently soak away dirt and soil with little or no agitation. |
Hand Washing Quilts
For truly delicate pieces, hand-washing in a large tub may be desirable. Fill a large sink or tub with tepid water and 1/4 cup of Ensure®. Accordion-fold quilt and place in the tub. Allow to soak for 15 to 30 minutes or longer. Extensive soaking will not harm you quilt. Drain tub and refill with cool water to rinse. Repeat the rinsing process several times to remove all residue. Take care in hand washing to avoid lifting or agitating the quilt to excess while being washed. After the quilt is rinsed, blot it dry with towels to absorb moisture. Lay out the quilt on a dry surface where air can circulate around it to dry. |
Machine Washing Quilts
If your quilt is in good condition, the washing machine may be used. Fill the machine with tepid or cold water and 1/4 cup of Ensure®. Place the quilt in the machine, gently moving around with your hands and allow it to soak for 15 to 30 minutes. A "gentle" or "delicate" agitation cycle may be used for just a few minutes, but is best avoided. Use the spin cycle to remove the water. Repeat this process to rinse the quilt, filling the washer, avoiding agitation and then spinning to remove the water. Lay the quilt flat to dry. You may wish to gently machine tumble on low or delicate heat or on "air" dry to add further puffiness to the quilt. |
Dry Cleaning Quilts
Generally, we do not recommend dry cleaning quilts and comforters. Some fabrics lend themselves to dry cleaning only, making it necessary to dry clean the quilt. Sometimes after dry cleaning a quilt it may be necessry to air the quilt as the fibers may temporarily retain some of the dry cleaning fumes. Also, dry cleaning does involve agitation and harsh substances, which can create additional wear and tear on you quilt. Whenever possible it is advisable to gentyl home launder your quilts in the methods described above. |
Additional Cleaning Tips
Quilts and comforters should always be treated and cared for as you would for a fine garment. Using proper quilting methods and washing techniques, quilts can be kept looking fresh and new year after year. Wall hangings and quilts can also be vacuumed periodically between laundering. Remember the basic points for successful washing: warm or cold water, Ensure Quilt Wash, gentle or no agitation, blotting out moisture and laying flat to dry. One last important point - be certain your fabrics are of good quality, that they have been preshrunk and that they are colorfast; otherwise all your time and work have been wasted. If ever in doubt about the washability of your quilt or comforter, contact the manufacturer of the materials used for their recommended methods. |
| © Copyright 1996, Stearns Technical Textiles Company, Inc. |
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