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JEM65 12-30-2010 10:47 AM

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

All Thumbs 12-30-2010 02:09 PM


Originally Posted by crashnquilt
You can use Epsom Salts in the wash cycle. The salts will remove any residue on the quilt and leave it very fresh smelling and soft. Also, the Epsom salts works just like color catchers, so if you have any dye that is coming out the epsom salts will catch it and it won't bleed.

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.

applique 12-30-2010 07:16 PM

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.

catrancher 12-30-2010 07:36 PM

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.

happymrs 12-30-2010 08:17 PM

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

cmilton 12-30-2010 09:05 PM

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

penski 12-30-2010 09:47 PM

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

Pickles 12-30-2010 09:55 PM


Originally Posted by crashnquilt
You can use Epsom Salts in the wash cycle. The salts will remove any residue on the quilt and leave it very fresh smelling and soft. Also, the Epsom salts works just like color catchers, so if you have any dye that is coming out the epsom salts will catch it and it won't bleed.

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

QM 12-30-2010 10:37 PM

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

BellaBoo 12-30-2010 11:42 PM

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


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