vivientan

How often should we wash our quilts? Read somewhere that they shouldn't be washed too often?

As my home is pretty dusty, I made it a point to wash my baby quilt every 3 months, which was used as a throw quilt over my sofa. After a few washes, I realised that the colours seemed to have faded slightly :(.

Has this anything to do with the frequency of my washes or the way I wash it? I have a front loading washer and I'm using regular detergent. Thereafter I tumble dry it and then line dry. Is there any special detergent for washing quilts which I should have used?

sewnsewer2

I wash mine pretty often and haven't had any problems. I don't have a front loader. I use gain usually and dry in dryer. Maybe the sun is the culprit?

Pam in WV

I once watch a lady use the small round brush on the sweeper and a piece of screen and just lay the screen down on the quilt and run the sweeper over the quilt to get the dust out. I have never tried it but it sounds like it would help. If I wash my quilts, I use a mild soap, and only a very little, rinse and line dry in a shady spot.
Pam

MZStitch

Sadly, if your colors faded after just a few washings it was just poor quality fabric. You should be able to wash it frequently with no problems.

dsb38327

I agree. Poor quality fabric (to me) does not mean cheap or low cost fabric. I have a whole piece quilt I made ?15? years ago. I probably paid $2 or $3 a yard for the fabric. It has been washed so many times I couldn't count them. It is still fresh and bright. Yes, you would know it is not brand new but it is still very pretty. I have always believed soils, dust, dirt, etc. rots fabric. When I give someone a quilt or crochet I tell them this and tell them not to be afraid to wash it on delicate.
Sorry you had that experience.
Regards,
On Edit:
I just thought of something I read. I have drapes that are dry clean only. I read you can put the item in the dryer with a towel. The dust will adhere to the towel. I haven't tried it yet.

ptquilts

I think the main thing that contributes to fading is light exposure. Is your quilt getting direct sunlight?
I also agree with using a mild soap, not a detergent.

quilt crazee

I think if you do the towel trick it's suppose to be slightly damp. can use this trick on washables -just to freshen-don't forget to add your dryer sheet!

erstan947

I use the dryer on air only, no heat, to get the dust out without washing my display quilts. These are old quilts and I don't think they will hold up to much washing. The newest one is 60 years old.

tooMuchFabric

We go to a lot of consideration to keep our stash of fabrics out of the light, so the sun is our enemy here.

And you can see the effects of exposure to sunlight over time even on drapes, sofas, and carpets next to windows.

.

Quiltzilla

I believe that what MZStitch has said is very true.