Light, cleaning, use, and improper
storage hasten the deterioration of quilts.
Cleaning:
Vaccuuming is the only safe procedure
for safely cleaning many quilts. It's the best technique for silk and wool quilts as
well as being very useful in removing surface dust from cotton quilts Use a small
hand-held upholstery attachment without a brush (or if it has a brush, be sure that it's a
soft brush). Place bridal netting over the attachment or use a
fiberglass screen over the area to be vaccuumed. Cover the screen edges if they are
rough to the touch. Vaccuum gently being careful that the quilt is not being sucked
into the nozzle. Clean both sides of the quilt this way. You'll be surprised
at the difference this method of cleaning makes with your quilts, if you do this
occasionally.
Dry cleaning is a questionable
cleaning method for most quilts. Most quilt conservators feel that the chemicals
used in this method break down the fibers over time and cause deterioration of the quilt.
If you feel you must, for some reason, have your quilt dry cleaned, call the
textile curator of a museum near you and get a recommendation from her (him). As a
last resort, use a dry cleaner who specializes in cleaning bridal gowns. Dry
cleaning is NOT recommended.
Wet cleaning (hand washing) can be
done at home. It is important that information on this procedure is read and
understood before attempting to wash your quilt. Resource information is given at
the end of this article. Conservators recommend that a special soap such as Orvus
be used to wash the quilt, and NOT a detergent, as detergent can cause the dyes to run and
detergents do not totally rinse out of quilts. If you decide that a washing is
necessary, be sure that you know the procedure and set aside a block of time in which to
do this, and that you choose a dry day.
Remember: any time that a quilt is cleaned by
washing or dry cleaning, the quilt is put under stress and the life of that quilt is
shortened to some degree.
Light:
Light is very hard on textiles. If you display a
quilt, be sure that it is not in a location where the sun or strong light shines on it.
Florescent lighting tends to cause fading of textiles, so that type of lighting is
not recommended. Low levels of indirect incandescent lighting for limited amounts of
time do the least harm.
Storage:
Do NOT store your quilt in a plastic bag, as it will
mildew or rust stain over time. Store it in a pillowcase, or wrapped in a sheet or
other prewashed fabric, in a dark dry place. Be sure that the fabric has been washed
so that the chemicals in the sizing have been removed. Do NOT store your quilt
directly on a wood surface, as the wood acids can deteriorate the quilt.
