by Lindsay Champion
A quilt, especially if it is a family heirloom or made by a close friend, needs delicate care and maintenance. Whether you're displaying your quilt in the living room, using it as a bedspread or carefully storing it in your closet, you can easily keep your quilt looking its best and make it a lasting item in your home for many years to come. From embroidered quilts to patchwork quilts, keep reading to learn how to maintain a quilt.
Keep quilts out of direct sunlight. If left in the sun too long, quilts will fade significantly and the fibers will disintegrate. Quilts need to be kept in shaded rooms that are cool and dry. If possible, do not allow the humidity in the room to reach above 55 percent. You can place a dehumidifier in the room if you are concerned about the humidity reaching above this level.
Avoid washing. Don't hand-wash handmade quilts or put them in the washing machine. Even if they are unbelievably dirty, avoid washing to elongate the life of your quilts. If your quilt becomes dirty, get it dry cleaned at a business that has quilt experience.
Vacuum. Vacuum your quilts to remove excess dirt between dry cleanings. Place quilts flat on the floor and use the vacuum brush hose on the lowest setting.
Store quilts properly. Fold and store your quilt in acid-free tissue paper. Place several pieces of acid-free tissue paper large enough to cover the entire surface both on top of and underneath the quilt. Fold the quilt carefully until it is small enough to place in your closet. If don't want to use your quilt as bedding but aren't ready to store it in a box, consider a hanging quilt display frame. These frames help preserve your quilts by hanging them out of reach while still letting everyone enjoy their intricate design.
Put them in bags. Place quilts in fabric bags or wrap them entirely in muslin when storing. This will prevent them from being damaged. To keep moths and other fabric-eating bugs from getting at your quilts, place several small satchels of lavender in the trunk or closet where they will be stored.
