mpspeedy

Mine are all handquilted but they go in the washer and dryer. They are meant to be used. This is from the lady who washed her daughter's $800 wedding dress that had gotten dragged in the mud at the historic site reception. I threw it in the washer but did hang it up to dry. Most of the places you pay big bucks to "preserve" your wedding dress throw it in a washer as soil is the thing that destroys the fabric.

ptquilts

I hand wash in the tub, spin dry in washer, and air dry on line.

ktmo815

wash & dry on normal settings - with 4 cats & a dog - mine get washed frequently & I've not had any problems

rebeccalr

Wash with a color catcher on gentle. Dry in the dryer, stopping the dryer every 5-10 minutes and adjusting the quilt so it doesn't get wadded up.

catrancher

Our local laundromat has some extra large machines. I use those--both washers and dryers. They get cleaner and dryer faster.

purrfectquilts

We have a large size washer on purpose. I wash on gentle, cold water only and use at least one color catcher sheet. Some reds and deep colors bleed, no matter if they have been prewashed ... so use a color catcher always and never use warm or hot water. Then machine dry on low or air dry as appropriate. This does make the batting and some fabrics shink a bit ... but it gives an old-timey feel. If you do not want the shrinkage, then choose a batting (such as polyester) that doesn't shrink and prewash all fabrics.

I use Grandma's Spot Remover to treat any spots and Ivory Soap or Vintage Quilt Soak if soap is needed. For gentle cleansing only, I do not use any soap; just add a bit of fabric softener instead of soap.

We do not use dryer sheets at all as many people are allergic to these.

PM if you would like me to send you via email one of my Quilt Care and Storage sheets.

MadQuilter

Woolite on cold permanent press and off in the dryer it goes.

happymrs

I machine wash mine, cold water, gentle cycle, & Downy softener. Then, I machine dry on low, & have never had a problem. I prefer most all my fabric this way too, & it does fine also. When I give someone one of my quilts, I tell them to do it the same way, & try to put it on my quilt label, if I remember. I don't wash quilts often, DH has a super fine sense of smell, so he lets me know if it's time for the gentle cycle, & no, no shrinkage from the dryer either, since the fabric was prewashed to begin with...

catlover

Most of my quilts are wall quilts. I have prewashed everything to prevent shrinking. I usually give a jar of quilt soap to the recipient with the advice to wash on gentle and dry on gentle, but use the quilt soap. Quilt soap has no "brighteners or bleach" or perfumes. It's simply Sodium Laurel Sulfate. It can be purchased in bulk at the large animal feed stores under "horse shampoo". Mine is called "Animal Legends". It's the same as Orvus quilt soap, only much cheaper. And it is really sudsy-a little bit goes a long ways. Avoid laundry detergents or Woolite. These have unwanted ingredients. BTW I learned of this from Harriet Hargrave, the guru of quilt fabrics, quilting, etc. Fabulous teacher.

Cynthia

patdesign

Washing gives them that loved look. Mending just helps keep it looking good if small things occur. I suggest both.:)