Prism99

It is safer to use Synthrapol than Woolite. Woolite will not keep unset dye particles from settling into other fabrics; Synthrapol will. Chemical formulations of brand name products change over the years, as do finishes on fabrics; I would not trust that Woolite is as gentle on fabrics as it has been advertised.

Since this is the first time you are washing these quilts, you do not want to soak them. If there are any unset dye particles, soaking gives them a chance to migrate into other fabrics. You want to continuously hand agitate and then immediately spin out the water. Once a quilt has been washed several times with no "tinting" of the water or obvious bleeds, you can allow it to soak.

You never want to hang up a quilt to dry. Hanging a quilt -- especially one with water in it, even if the quilt is only damp -- greatly increases the stress put on the quilting stitches and on the fabrics. After partially drying in the dryer, it is best to "block" the quilt by laying flat on a large sheet, pinning, and placing a fan nearby to blow air across the surface.

GailG

When soaking heirloom baby pieces, etc. I use Ivory Snow and Biz.

paintedquilt

Wow your Mom's quilts are beautiful :!: Wash in warm water by hand and rinse well. If you are able lay the quilt outside on a sheet away from the sun and let air dry

I hope when I pass to have some beautiful quilts to pass on too.