Caring for Quilts

HANGING
On the back of each of these auction quilts is a sleeve in which you can insert a curtain rod, dowel, or PVC pipe to support the quilt for wall display.  Attach a cord to the support and hang the quilt from a picture hook.  Never pin or tack a quilt to the wall.

Hang quilts away from direct sunlight or bright spotlights.  Most cotton fabric will fade when exposed to light.

CLEANING
Keep a hanging quilt dust-free with gentle vacuuming.

Washing is necessary to remove dirt and stains.  Fill your washing machine with warn water.  Add a gentle detergent such as Orvus, Easy Wash, Ensure, or Johnson's Baby Shampoo.  Dissolve this detergent by agitating the water.  Turn off the machine, add your quilt and soak it for at least ten minutes.  Then agitate the water by HAND for five minutes.  Spin out the water using the machine cycle.

Refill the machine with rinse water and again agitate the water by hand.  Use the spin cycle to remove the water.

Handle the quilt with care when removing it from the washer.  Water adds extra weight to the quilt.  Quilting threads may break unless the quilt is carefully supported when removed from the machine. Lay the quilt on a flat surface to dry.

Never dry clean a quilt.  The dye may not be colorfast in dry cleaning.

STORAGE
Since the chemicals in wood products can discolor fabrics, place at least one layer of washed fabric between the quilt and any wood or cardboard surface during storage.  For example, a pillowcase will help protect your quilt when it is placed on a shelf or in a box. 

Quilts should also be stored away from light and extremes of heat and humidity.  Never store a quilt in a plastic bag.  The plastic restricts air circulation needed to keep the fibers in good condition. 

At least once a year treat your valuable stored quilts to a few weeks lying flat on an unused bed in a darkened room.

MATTRESS SIZES
Crib 23" x 46"
Youth 33" x 66"
Bunk 38" x 75”
Twin 39" x 75"
Double 54" x 75"
Queen 60" x 80"
King 76" x 80"
California King  72" x 84"

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