purplefan321

This is my first time writing here, so I hope you can help. Before my mother passed away in 2011, she told me about a barrel she had sealed with a quilt that her mother had quilted, and a quilt top that she didn't get finished. Imagine my surprise when my brother and I found 3 barrels filled with numerous quilts and comforters in perfect condition, never used!!! They had to have been made prior to 1940, since my grandmother fell ill in 1941, and passed in 1942. My dilemma is, how do I get the musty smell out of them without damaging the threads or material. Mom had them in wrapped in paper and stored in plastic before sealing in these heavy duty barrels. I am so anxious to show them off, but would like to freshen them up first. Any help would be appreciated, and thanks for reading this. Carol

feline fanatic

Hi and welcome to the board. Congratulations on your treasure trove of vintage quilts. I think this link will help you

http://hartcottagequilts.com/quiltcare.htm

GrammaNan

Wow, what a wonderful gift you have been given, or should I say gifts? I hope you get them freshened up and would love to see pictures of them. Welcome and waving from Colorado

purplefan321

I am so glad I wrote and asked for help. Thank you so much for the link, it was really useful. Now to get my friends together to do some vacuuming and airing. Will post pictures as soon as I get them ready. Thanks.

purplefan321

Thanks, I kept 7 of them and left at least 6 with my brother. Will take pictures as soon as I get them aired.

ManiacQuilter2

Be careful not to expose them to direct sunlight and enjoy them.

quilt addict

Oh what a great treat. Look forward to seeing the pictures.

Prism99

You might want to consult a quilt conservator before doing anything. Some quilts lose value when they are washed; other treatment means can be desirable. Perhaps call around to local museums to find out if they can recommend someone familiar with preservation of textiles.

Edit: Incidentally, you mother meant well but what she did is not ideal for quilt preservation. Paper is made from wood, which contains acidic compounds that slowly "eat" fabric. Archival quality paper has been treated to remove those acids, but it is unlikely your mother used those. Also, it is very risky to seal a quilt in plastic. If any moisture is sealed in with the quilt, mold can grow. Mold will leave stains that cannot be removed even if the mold itself is removed.