An old quilt is a treasure. It may have been made by hand, handed down through the family, or picked up at a market, and it deserves gentle handling. Many people are afraid to wash one, and they are right to be cautious: the stitching can be delicate, the colours may run, and the wadding inside can shift. But with patience it can be cleaned and stored so that it lasts for many more years, and it will look brighter and smell fresher afterwards.
Test first, then wash
Look at the quilt carefully in good light. Check the seams, the binding and the quilting for loose threads or thin patches, and mend small problems before washing. Test the dyes by pressing a damp white cloth against each colour in a hidden corner. If any colour comes off on the cloth, do not wash the quilt in water at all, and seek advice from a specialist cleaner.
If the colours are stable, the safest wash is by hand in a large bath or tub, using lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Lower the quilt in slowly, press it lightly, and leave it to soak for a while. Do not twist, wring or scrub. Rinse with clean water until the water runs clear, then press out the water with your hands, supporting the weight from below.
Dry the quilt flat on a clean sheet or towel, away from direct sun and heat, and turn it over from time to time. Never hang a wet quilt on a line, as the weight can stretch the stitches and tear the fabric. If you must use a machine, choose a gentle programme with a large drum and a very mild detergent, but washing by hand is safer.
To store the quilt, fold it loosely and wrap it in a clean cotton sheet or acid-free tissue paper, and keep it somewhere dry and dark. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture, and avoid attics and damp cellars. Take it out, air it and refold it along different lines every so often, so that the creases do not weaken the cloth. Better still, lay it flat on a spare bed, under a clean sheet.
