Originally Posted by Sew Freak
on the fabric softener issue...is it because of allergies or is it something to do with the quilt itself?
Fabric softener will cause dirt and dust to be attracted to the quilt, and therefore, it will get dirtier faster and need to be washed more often, which ages the quilt faster. I read this in a book on "Restoring Heirloom Quilts". If you want to soften your quilts a little, add a cup of vinegar to the 1st rinse water. Not only does it help remove the last of the soap (soap will also attract dirt and dust), but it acts as a mild fabric softener. Then rinse for a second time to get rid of any excess soap and vinegar. (Also a recommendation from the book.)
I've done this, and found there was a very faint smell of vinegar to the quilt, which disappeared after a couple of hours of "airing". And Wow! Was that quilt clean!