Antique quilts
11-07-2012, 06:27 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: S. W. Indiana
Posts: 7,484
Originally Posted by PaperPrincess
I would also use a bath tub, with a mild detergent. I would also put a sheet on the bottom of the tub. When done washing, drain the tub and gently squeeze the water out, then use the sheet to lift the quilt out so there is no strain on the fabric.
Great idea with the sheet under to support the quilt.
11-07-2012, 06:48 AM
#12
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: TN
Posts: 38
I purchased an antique sun bonnet sue quilt top, 49 blocks, with sashing and corner stones. I custom quilted it on my longarm. It had stains and I wanted to show it in the fair. I took it to a commercial washing center, used a large front loading washer, added 4 color catchers, washed on gentle and prayed. Came out fine, lots of color on the catchers but no fading on the quilt. Then I machine dried it in the large dryers. It came out so pretty and soft and clean. I did take second prize at the fair on it in the antique quilt section.
11-07-2012, 07:19 AM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 6,487
I wash two quilts from the 50s all the time. Fill the washer with your detergent in it. Put in the quilt and let it soak a few minutes, then agitate, spin and rinse on gentle for the short wash cycle. I switch my washer to the regular cycle for the last spin to remove as much water as possible to cut down on dryer time. Dry in a large dryer until almost dry and spread it out to dry - a sheet protecting the back of the couch works for me. One of the quilts looks new and the one I used heavily looks used, but not from washing.
11-07-2012, 07:56 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Magnolia, KY
Posts: 876
I would either have it dry cleaned or take it to a laundrymat and use one of the big washers...then take it home and line dry it. I hang my things out on the line all the way up to freezing weather. If the sun shines, my sheets are on the line! But seriously, dry cleaning would be the best way to go, I think.
11-07-2012, 10:49 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming
Posts: 521
I would recommend not dry cleaning. As many board members have said, the chemicals used in that process can destroy a quilt. I advised my MIL not to dry clean a quilt I gave to her and Dad. She gave it back to me five years later to repair, and said that I told her it must be dry cleaned. She was confused I guess, but it was too far gone for repairs.
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