washing question
 

I inherited a quilt top from my grandmother, made in the 40's (the quilt, not my grandmother). It has some stains on it. Do you think I should try to remove the stains before or after it is quilted? My fear is that it may damage the seams if I try before.

How many stains? If just a few you should be able to remove them very carefully without a problem. If it's heavily stained I'd wait till after quilting.

I would first try hand washing it in the tub.

Try this http://retroclean.com/retroclean/ after you get your quilt quilted.

I used it on a quilt my great grandmother did. The white had age spots all over and this took almost all of it out. Wonderful stuff.

if you google "removing stains from quilts" there is lots of places for info.

Experts recommend using Orvus soap. It is available at Amazon. If you wash it you would have to be very careful and not agitate it or wring it. Personally, I would not launder first. Depending on the type of stains, you may not remove the stains after it is quilted. It might be wise to test it in an inconspicuous spot w a Q-tip and plain water.

There are a lot of risks associated with washing a top before it is quilted. I would definitely quilt it first, then use http://www.retroclean.com on it.

Ditto to Prism's quilt first then clean/wash a vintage quilt. :)

Jan in VA