I have two small unbound quilts - about doll size, that I had put in our storage area and somehow they ended up on the floor where mice have trampled on them. I know because of the droppings that were on them. I shook all that off and they look fine otherwise, but they should be cleaned before I bind them.

Also, they've bitten into some bags of batting. Tiny spots that are dirty. I guess I'll just have to wash them. I do like them shrinking after quilting, but there you are.

I am so sorry!!! :(:(:(
I would let them soak and be very careful handling them while rinsing. Lay them out flat to dry. You also may want to block them.
I wonder if you should use an antibacterial soap on them, as mice droppings are pretty unsanitary.

I nice long soak was what I was thinking too. Maybe agitate gently with your hands.

Just for insurance, I'd zigzag the outer edges of the quilt tops before washing. Had you started quilting them before putting away?

Oh yes, definitely do a zig-zag around the tops before you wash. I've never washed batting before using so I don't have any advice about them....I know on some bags of batting, they do have pre-wash instructions...

Geez I HATE when that happens!!! and stains from rodent "leavings" are almost impossible to get out. Don't ask how I know. Next time you have to store that stuff, scatter dryer sheets around with it.. mice and bugs HATE those.

Thanks all for your help and sympathy!

Yes, it's already (hand) quilted.

I knew I had to get my hands involved! (yuck) Good thing there are such things as rubber gloves. :lol:

If it's are already quilted, why don't you add the binding and then soak the whole quilty in a Woolite or the quilt-specific soap water? You'll have to rinse and repeat anyway, so it won't matter if you finish it first.

That sounds like the best suggestion yet!!! :D:D:D