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How Do I Clean Old Quilts?

Old quilts are reflections of history. They each tell a story of what life was like during the time they were sewn. Some antique quilts include pieces of fabric taken from worn clothing once worn by families. Others were crafted for specific occasions such as weddings or to remember a certain event. Because old quilts are valuable for their rarity and historical significance, it is important to clean them properly to ensure they will be around for years to come.

Preparation
- Before washing an old quilt, it needs to be inspected. Signs of thread or fabric decay reveal decay has occurred. A quilt showing this type of damage should not be washed as one in good shape. A quilt in good shape needs to be tested for colorfastness. This is done by applying a small amount of the cleaning solution to cotton swabs, then applying the swab on the different fabric patches. The quilt is safe to wash if no color shows on the swabs.
Dusting
- A quilt can be cleaned gently by dusting with a vacuum. The quilt is laid on a new, clean window screen. The screen protects the quilt while the vacuum hose is held on the opposite side of the screen to suck up the dust.
Washing
- An old quilt in good condition can be washed gently by placing in a bath tub partly filled with tepid water and gentle washing solution. When the water begins to look dirty, the tub is drained and refilled with clean water. After the water remains clean, the quilt can be laid on color-safe towels or sheets to dry. Twisting or squeezing the quilt can damage old fabric and threads; old quilts should also not be hung over a clothesline.
Considerations
- Because chemicals can damage fabric during storage, old quilts should not be dry-cleaned. If a quilt is heavily soiled or damage, consider sending it to a restoration expert such as the American Institute for Conservation.

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