So now that you have made or purchased that quilt that you always dreamed of, how is the best way to care for it, to make sure that is stays in like new condition? Here are some quilt care instructions to make sure that your quilt has the chance to become a family heirloom.

To wash your quilt, you will first want to treat any stains. This is best done with Ivory dish soap, just take a small amount of the detergent, mix it with equal parts of water, let this sit for several minutes, then rub it gently into the spot. If all that you are doing is cleaning the stained spot, you will now want to dab this spot with a sponge or paper towel to remove any soap and moisture. Make sure to let the spot dry entirely before storing your quilt. But if you were pre-treating the stain, you can now wash the quilt in the washing machine, I would not suggest this with vintage quilts, but newer quilts will be fine. Be sure to use the gentle cycle on your machine along with a laundry soap for delicates. I always use cold water in which to wash my quilts, this will keep colors from running and the fabric from shrinking. If this is the first time that you have washed your quilt, it may be a good idea to add ½ cup of white vinegar to your wash water. The vinegar will keep the dark colors from running, particularly reds.

The perfect way to dry your quilt is to lay it flat, never hang it on a clothesline, the weight of the wet quilt will pull out any hand-quilting. My favorite way to dry my quilts is outside, on a nice day. Spread out a clean sheet and spread the wet quilt on top of the sheet. Just be sure to lay it out away from trees, or other overhangs, where something may be dropped on the clean quilt. If you have no such space available, lay your quilt, again on the sheet, on top of a car, or on a deck or porch. I have also placed mine over a large picnic table several times. Be sure to check for any spots before putting your quilt away. For some reason birds may think this is a target, in which to leave their mark.

If the day is rainy, or if you have no such place at all ,you can dry your quilt in a dryer, using a low heat setting.

For vintage quilts, it is best not to wash them at all, but if absolutely needed, you should test a small inconspicuous area first. If the test spot is fine, then you can carefully wash your vintage quilt in a bathtub, with cold water. Again, take the quilt outside to dry flat, making sure with a vintage quilt that it is out of direct sunlight.

If you happen to own a silk or wool quilt, your best option is to take it to a reputable dry cleaner. Check to make sure that they have experience with dry cleaning quilts.

If you happen to find a tear in your quilt while cleaning, fix it immediately. Use tiny, small stitches to repair any rips that you may find, also a commercial fabric glue may help you out if you don’t sew.

There are many different options to display your quilt as well as on your bed. Many people like to hang them on walls, but some preparation is needed to make the quilt hangable without causing stress to the quilt itself. You will either need to attach a hanging strip or tabs on the back of your quilt, that you will be able to run a heavy dowel rod through to hang. Just tack either the strip, or tabs, to the back of your quilt by hand, these can always be removed later.

There are also several types of commercial quilt hangers and stands that you can purchase, to display your quilts. Quilts also look lovely draped over a couch or chair, or on the open doors of a cabinet. Just be sure to display them out of any direct sunlight that will cause fading.

One tip, do not hang your quilt near a kitchen where cooking greases and smells will be in the air. A bathroom, which is noted to be damp, is also not a good place. Also displayed quilts will need to be cleaned much more often than stored quilts.

The best way to store your quilts is not in a box, plastic bag or in a storage trunk. The best place to store your quilts in on a bed, in a guest bedroom. Just pile your quilts on the bed preferably upside down, in layers, then top with another cover of some type, such as a sheet or bedspread. This will block the light from fading your quilt tops. But if you must store them away some where, a linen closet will work the best. Fold your quilt up and wrap it in acid free tissue paper, every so often you will need to take your quilt out and refold it, so that the creases will be in a different area on the quilt, and place back in the closet. Another suggestion is to roll your quilts up, and place them in a cotton pillow case. Again every 2 or 3 months remove your quilt from storage, let it air for a few hours, then reroll and place back in a fresh pillow case. With either of these methods it is best to make sure the top part of your quilt is to the inside.

I hope these tips will keep your quilt beautiful for many years to come. And if you have any questions, check with a quilt shop. Most owners will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.