Thank you to all the board members for their fabulous tips on quilt care!

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.

The only time I use fabric softener, and a lot of it, is when I have taken out a lot of stitches. There are always hole left in the batik so I use the fabric softener and a soft brush to help minimize them.

I use Downy on everything except towels--but that's the only fabric softener I use. I was sold when my son was two months old and visiting my MIL. His little corderoy overalls came out of her dryer looking so soft and wrinkle free, while they came out of mine as if they'd been wadded up and left to air dry. I asked her why, and she said, "Oh, I don't think anything works as well as Downy." I've never stopped using it since. That was over thirty years ago, and I haven't noticed any health problems. I avoid the perfumy stuff though and stick with the original. It has a scent, but not as strong.

I always use Downy, even when I prewash new fabrics. Never hurts them a bit!...

I agree. If you are going to use any softener (I don't) use the natural white vinegar,

i wouldnt if i were to store them , i would think there is something in the softner that might stain the quilt if it was tucked away

How much of the Epsom Salts do you use to each Load?
Thanks for the tip :D

I don't use any fabric softeners because I'm allergic to perfumes and don't trust any chemicals that change the character of the fabrics.. The vinegar sound relatively safe, however, IMHO

I use the Bounce Bar in the dryer. Best thing to happen to laundry in years.

I would`nt use it .

I use cheap white vinegar or epsom salts....bit more environmentally friendly and doesn't leave a fragrance.

It's true. Dryer sheets have chemicals, perfume and undisclosed ingredients that would best be left off our quilts, especially stored ones. I've done the dryer screen test - running water over it. If the water pools up and won't run through its because the chemical buildup is preventing proper air/water flow. Detergent and a scrub brush will remedy the situation but think what it does to our fabrics. I'd definitely refrain from placing fabric sheets directly on or between quilt folds.

http://www.naturalnews.com/002693_pe...er_sheets.html

I found the link (below) that actually lists the carcinogenic related chemicals in dryer sheets. Plus it offers a safer alternative but I cannot vouch for it since its new to me. Perhaps other members here have used the Static Eliminator?

http://shop.sixwise.com/index.asp?Pa...=Custom&ID=155

After one allergic reaction to fabric softener, i never use and my quilts (and clothing) are nice and soft.

You only need about a tablespoonful of epsom salts, just dissolve it in water before you add to the rinse cycle.

How much Epsom Salt per load?

Agreed.

As I was doing laundry today I was rethinking the fabric softner useage. I do like extra fabric softner in my flannel sheets. I had a doctor tell me one time not to use fabric softener sheets bc it can cause skin irritation. I never use softener in fabric bc it you plan to applicate it's much harder to get the bonding.