Blog Post 9: Best Practices for Washing a Finished Quilt

After all the time, effort, and creativity you’ve poured into your quilt, washing it for the first time can feel nerve-wracking. Whether it's a cherished heirloom, a new gift, or your favorite bed quilt, following the right washing practices will help preserve its colors, shape, and softness. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Test for Colorfastness First

Before washing a finished quilt—especially one that includes deeply saturated or hand-dyed fabrics—test for colorfastness. Take a damp white cloth and rub it against each dark-colored fabric. If dye transfers, pre-treat those areas or use a product like Retayne to help set the dye. When in doubt, always wash the quilt separately and include a color catcher to help absorb loose dyes in the wash.

2. Use Gentle Detergents

Always use a mild, fragrance-free detergent designed for delicates or quilts. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh commercial detergents that can break down fibers and dull colors. Some quilters swear by Orvus Paste, a gentle detergent often used for washing livestock but beloved in the quilting world for its clean rinse and minimal residue.

3. Choose the Right Washing Method

If your quilt is sturdy and made of 100% cotton fabrics and batting, a front-loading washing machine on a delicate or hand-wash cycle is generally safe. Avoid top-loaders with agitators, which can put stress on seams and distort the quilt’s shape. Use cold or lukewarm water to prevent shrinkage and bleeding. For more delicate quilts or those with embellishments, hand washing in a bathtub or large basin is a safer choice. Gently swish the quilt and press out water without wringing.

4. Air Dry When Possible

The safest drying method is laying the quilt flat on a clean surface, such as a bed, sheet-covered floor, or large drying rack. Reshape the quilt while it’s damp and avoid hanging it by its edges, which can stretch and distort it. If you must use a dryer, choose a low-heat or air-only setting and remove the quilt while slightly damp to finish drying flat. Never use high heat, which can cause shrinkage or fade colors.

5. Minimize Frequent Washing

While quilts are meant to be used and loved, repeated washing does cause wear over time. To reduce the need for frequent washing, use a top sheet between the quilt and skin contact, spot clean stains, and air out the quilt periodically. For display quilts or wall hangings, dust them occasionally and avoid placing them in direct sunlight.

A finished quilt is more than just fabric—it’s an artwork, a legacy, and often a story stitched with care. With gentle washing and drying habits, your quilt will remain as beautiful and comforting as the day it was finished.