Quilt is a delicate type of linen that requires careful treatment when you need to wash them. They can get damaged easily, so it’s important for you to know how to wash them properly.
Below, we have compiled some safe yet effective ways on how to clean quilts that you can do all by yourself.
How to Clean Quilts All by Yourself
Before you go any further, it’s highly important to test the fabric of your quilts first. It’s because your quilts might be made of multiple fabrics and washing them with machine can cause color fading.
Here’s what you can do:
- Dip a piece of clean cotton in hot water.
- Rub it on the hidden area of the quilts.
- If the color fades and transfers to the cotton, your best option is to only handwash the quilt and add some color catcher to the cleaning process.
Prepare these supplies:
- Non-iodized salt
- Distilled white vinegar
- Gentle and perfume-free detergent
- Color catcher
- Needle and thread
- Heavy towels
- Laundry basket
- Drying rack
Follow these steps:
Handwashing method
Check for any damage
Over time, there might be some damage that is present in your delicate quilt. The loose threads, small tears, and stretched seams are sometimes inevitable. Before you wash the quilt, repair the damage with a needle and thread here and there.
Prepare the wash area
Your bathtub is the best place to wash your quilt since it can handle the size and weight properly. Make sure that your bathtub is free from any chemical residue or loose debris that may damage your quilt.
Once it’s cleaned up, fill the bathtub with cold water, detergent, and a color catcher. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the amount of cleaning solution that you have to use.
Soak the quilt
You need to slowly submerge your quilt into the bathtub so you can evenly saturate it with the cleaning mixture. Start by putting one end of your quilt into the water until the rest of it is soaked properly. You may need to add more water and the cleaning agent if the quilt is not fully submerged.
Gently wash the quilt
Swirl your quilt in the soapy water gently for around 30 minutes, and try your best not to spill the water around your bathroom floor. Leave the quit to sit in the cleaning mixture for around 15 minutes so it can work to penetrate through the layers.
Rinse the quilt
Drain the cleaning mixture without taking out the quilt. Once the soapy water is gone. Fill the tub with clean cold water while gently agitating the quilt for around a minute to remove the detergent residue and any dirt. Drain and refill the bathtub to rinse the quilt multiple times if necessary.
Add some vinegar
If you are sure that the detergent residue is completely cleaned up from the quilt, add a half cup of distilled white vinegar into your bathtub. Gently agitate the quilt to release any dirt and residue. The vinegar can also help to keep your quilt soft longer.
Release the water
Drain your bathtub again to ensure that it doesn’t contain any excess water. Then, push the quilt with your hand to release the water. You might need to perform some elbow grease until the water is completely removed.
Dry the quilt partially
Put the heavy towel on the bottom of your hamper or laundry basket. Take the quilt of your bathtub and put the quilt straight into the hamper. The towel will help to soak the drips.
A quick tip, it’s a good idea to wear your casual clothes while you wash your quilt since some spills may happen during the process. Once you’re done cleaning, clean up your bathroom floor and mop it around if necessary.
(You may also like: An Easiest Tutorial on How to Clean Couch All by Yourself)
Machine washing method
If you prefer to use a washing machine, you have to make sure that the quilts fit properly since they can be big and bulky. You shouldn’t force yourself to put your quilts in the washing machine when they don’t fit. Just go with the hand washing method above or call a professional to handle the job.
Check for any damage
Inspect your quilt thoroughly to check whether there are some loose threads, small tears, or stretched seams. If you find some damage, fix them with a needle and thread before you wash the quilts.
Wash your quilt
Follow the steps below to wash your quilts with a washing machine:
- Set your washing machine to the gentle cycle and always use cold water.
- Add some gentle detergent, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the proper amount.
- Add 1/2 cup of non-iodized salt to the wash cycle to keep your quilts looking bright.
- You can actually use the dryer to dry up your quilts but not to totally get the job done. Use the low heat and delicate setting of your dryer just to speed up the drying process. Stop the dryer when the quilt is damp enough.
- To complete the drying process, bring your quilts outside. Do not use the clothesline as it strains the quilt’s threads. Dry the quilt flat by using an extra-large drying rack. Alternatively, you can also use some towels to make a flat bed for the quilts to lay.
When do you need to clean your quilt?
When it comes to quilts, you shouldn’t really wash them frequently as it may lead to some damage. Keep in mind that quilts are delicate and too much washing can degrade the quality of the fabric.
The rule of thumb is that you can wash the quilts twice a year, even if you use them every day.
Tips to maintain your quilts
You can regularly air your quilts out to freshen them up between the seasonal deep cleanings. Simply wrap the quilts in a cotton bag and store them in your closet or another dry place.
