How to Clean Comforters and Quilts
There's nothing like a big fluffy comforter or quilt to make sleeping dreamy. There are lots of styles and lots of fabrics and fillers to choose from now. In fact, they come in so many different fabrics now that it's not always easy to figure out how to clean them. Anybody can learn the fun task of cleaning quilts and comforters. It just takes a bit of time...You'll know after you read the simple steps below.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Know the age of your down comforter or quilt. Older down pieces are often too fragile to be dry cleaned. If your quilt was from Grandma Alice, you may want to have it professionally cleaned. Also be sure to see how fragile the piece is. If you can repair any places that need it, do it or find a professional to do it before you have it cleaned. Some older pieces require specialty cleaning. You will have to call around to see which cleaners offer it. Most of the bigger places will know where you can bring it even if they don']t do it themselves.
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2
Treat newer comforters a bit more normally. Newer quilts can usually by laundered at home. You will need to test your comforter, if it's never been washed, to see if it's colorfast. Pick a small place in an inconspicuous spot and wet it. Blot it with a clean tissue or piece of fabric and if there's any trace of color, don't wash it--it will bleed and make a mess. Make sure the quilt will fit without cramming it into your washer.
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3
Wash the quilt, if it's safe to do so, in cold water for the wash and rinse cycles. Use the gentle cycle. Add a mild detergent and don't use bleach unless it's bleach made for colored fabrics. You can only dry a quilt on gentle very low heat settings. Put a pair of clean tennis shoes or a few clean tennis balls with the quilt to help to fluff it up. If you want to dry it more safely you can drape it over two or three lines of a clothesline. It won't dry if it doesn't have a great deal of room to spread out.
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4
Wash the quilt, if it's safe to do so, in cold water for the wash and rinse cycles. Use the gentle cycle. Add a mild detergent and don't use bleach unless it's bleach made for colored fabrics. You can only dry a quilt on gentle very low heat settings. Put a pair of clean tennis shoes or a few clean tennis balls with the quilt to help to fluff it up. If you want to dry it more safely you can drape it over two or three lines of a clothesline. It won't dry if it doesn't have a great deal of room to spread out.
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5
Take a little time and care with your quilts and comforters, and you'll be able to pass them down to your own grandchildren one day.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure that your quilt is sturdy enough to be washed before you do so.
Don't cram the quilt or comforter into the machine. That could ruin it.
