Originally Posted by crashnquilt
You can use Epsom Salts in the wash cycle. The salts will remove any residue on the quilt and leave it very fresh smelling and soft. Also, the Epsom salts works just like color catchers, so if you have any dye that is coming out the epsom salts will catch it and it won't bleed.
Geeze! Another thing I learned today. Thanks. Will have to give it a try.
Now as for fabric softeners, well, I hate those smelly things and they do have an oil base to them. This I am learning the hard way trying to make a t-shirt quilt out of shirts with lots of softeners in them. I do, however, use the non-scented dryer sheets when I wash my day-to-day quilts. Beginning to think I should not after reading these posts.
For storage I have always used a vinegar rinse and store in a white pillow case for the summer months. As for my 1930s and 40s quilts, I soak with very little soap, rinse with vinegar and partially dry in dryer and then hang for complete drying. Have not had any problems.