I prefer washing, not dry cleaning, due to the chemicals used in and left in dry cleaning.

What a beautiful quilt!
I also would wash on a gentle setting.

I would not put this quilt in the washer or send to the dry cleaners at all. Dry cleaners use chemicals that will damage old quilts. There is a product called Orvis quilt soap (I think that is the brand name) that you can get from the quilt shops. I would soak in the bathtub with a little bit of the quilt soap and gently rub the quilt. If any of the fabrics or threads have deteriated then this will minimize damage.

I washed a Sun Bonnet Sue quilt in my washer before I hand quilted it and it came out fine. I think it was made in the 40's. I also have washed another one the same way. No problems

My MIL had several wonderful quilts RUINED at the cleaners. Most quilts are cotton and meant to be laundered. Dry cleaning chemicals can destroy the fiber and colors.
Laundre in Orvis soap and spread out to dry in the sunshine if possible.

Depending on the wadding, etc., I wash mine on gentle cycle and air dry by hanging over a railing and turning regularly.

I would wash on gentle, but air dry.

I would not dry clean! Too many petroleum products used in the process!! Gentle laundry detergent (or Orvus if you can find it), gentle low heat tumble dry to damp. Then lay flat to finish drying. Betting it will come out fine. :thumbup:

I have a quilt the top was made in 1933 and quilted in late 50s or early 60s. I just wash it on regular and dry on regular. The binding needs replaced but otherwise it is in good shape. It was given to me in early 60s and at that time, I knew nothing of value other than it was old and it we used a lot. Up until that time it was rarely used, if at all. At the time I believe I even washed it in a wringer washer. I was young, knew not much . Even had to line dry it at the time.

check first---I have heard that dry cleaning is not for cottons.
Orvis Paste is a wonderful washing agent. It is what bow
hunters use to wash their clothes to get all scents out. you can find it at a feed supply store--they use it to make the
lambs pretty and soft. and it only takes 1/4 c.
whatever you do, do NOT try to wash in the tub as some people will tell you. very hard not to stress the fabric & seams. has to be held in another sheet, etc. I think gentle wash & dryer with some towels thrown in on gentle is fine for cottons. yes, to dye catchers !

COLD water and Woolite and gentle cycle!

IMHO-I would also consider using a front loader , the first time, even if I had to go to a laundry to do so, just because it would be gentler on old fabric. Just a thought.

me too
beautiful quilt

NEVER dry clean any quilt. The chemicals will destroy your quilt! Wash on gentle with Orvus, I'd dry it flat on sheets, outside weather permitting. If it's very old & delicate you could wash it by hand in a tub, don't wring, just squish out what you can & dry as before. Nice quilt!!!

Just wanted all to know that my quilt has been washed and dried and is just wonderful. Washed it in the washer with woolite after soaking with biz and a couple of shout color catcher. All the writing and material are so much brighter now and it feels so soft and warm. Glad that it is done and another old quilt has been saved. Thanks for all your thoughts.

I always do a gentle machine wash and dry when my quilts are completed. I want to make sure nothing falls apart so if there is a problem I can correct it at that point.

I am so happy for you that all went well with your process of washing and drying. It is a beautiful quilt. Congratulations!