How you wash a quilt depends on what it is. You can usually wash a modern quilt by its care label, once you’ve checked the dyes for bleeding. An heirloom or antique quilt should never go in a washing machine. It needs a slow soak in a tub instead, or a trip to a textile conservator.
Key Takeaways:
- For a modern quilt, follow the care label and use cool or cold water so dyes are less likely to run.
- Keep heirloom quilts out of the washing machine, even on the delicate cycle.
- Old, fragile, wool, or silk quilts belong with a professional textile conservator.
Can you wash a quilt?
Whether you can wash a quilt depends on its age and condition. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension guide to cleaning quilts is written for older, fragile quilts. In those cases, it says the best choice is usually to leave the quilt alone, since improper cleaning can damage it for good.
With a newer quilt bought for everyday use, the Iowa State University Extension says to follow the care label.
Test for bleeding before you wash
When color bleeds in the wash, it can stain the other fabrics in the quilt, so UNL says to test the dyes before a cotton or linen quilt touches water.
Put a few drops of plain water on a hidden spot of each color, let it soak in, and blot with a white cloth. Repeat a few times, then try your detergent and water. If any color shows on the cloth, UNL says not to wet clean the quilt at all.
How to wash a quilt in a washing machine
These steps from Iowa State are for a sturdy, modern quilt whose label allows machine washing.
- Run the color test on every fabric.
- Check the label. “Wash separately” means the dye may bleed, so wash the quilt alone.
- Use cool or cold water, since warm or hot water makes fibers swell and release color.
- Add a color catcher sheet to trap loose dye, and pick the gentlest setting that suits the dirt.
- Take the quilt out as soon as the cycle ends, because wet fabric that sits bunched up transfers dye more easily.
Iowa State says color catcher sheets work well but aren’t totally reliable. For a down-filled quilt, see our guide on how to wash a down comforter.
How to wash a handmade or antique quilt
UNL says a quilt you treasure should never be machine washed, even on the delicate cycle. If it’s cotton or linen and passed the color test, you can wet clean it in a tub instead. Plan on six to eight hours, plus drying time, and a helper. A fiberglass or nylon screen under the quilt makes it easier to lift.
Use soft or distilled water no warmer than 90°F to 100°F. If plain water isn’t enough, add about one tablespoon of mild liquid dish detergent to four gallons and soak for at least 30 minutes, with no scrubbing or squeezing. Then rinse five to seven times, at least 15 minutes each.
To dry a quilt cleaned this way, lay it flat on towels over a sheet, out of direct sun, with a fan three to four feet away. UNL rules out both the clothesline and the dryer for a quilt like this.
Add the quilt to your next pickup
OrangeBag washes quilts in wash and fold, so yours can go in the bag with the rest of your bedding. The price is $2.65 per pound by the bag, and the quilt comes back clean and folded in 24 to 48 hours.
Monthly plans waive the $9.95 service fee and $3.00 delivery fee that come with each a la carte order. Every price is on the OrangeBag pricing page, and our page on laundry pickup and delivery in Los Angeles lists the areas we serve.
Quilt washing FAQ
How do you wash a quilt for the first time?
Run the color test on every fabric and thread. A “wash separately” label means to expect bleeding, Iowa State says. Wash the quilt alone in cool or cold water with a color catcher sheet, then check the water for color when the cycle ends.
Can you put a quilt in the dryer?
If its care label says so, a modern quilt can go in the dryer. Old or fragile quilts shouldn’t go in an automatic dryer or on a clothesline, UNL says. Air dry them flat on towels over a clean sheet, out of direct sunlight.
How do you get a musty smell out of an old quilt?
Try airing it out before you wash it. UNL says a musty smell often fades when a quilt is aired in a shady spot outdoors or in a well-ventilated room. Lay it on a clean white sheet over a plastic one, and never shake or beat it.
Ready to hand off the bedding?
Set the quilt, sheets, and everyday laundry outside on pickup day. Your driver brings them back washed and folded.
