How to Care for Old Chenille Bedspreads
Chenille, the French word for "caterpillar," is a lovely fabric which combines silken threads sewn in tight, raised loops with cotton or wool. Chenille bedspreads were popular during the Great Depression and shortly thereafter, and experienced a bit of a revival in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Vintage fabric lovers who collect and restore old chenille bedspreads must take care in the cleaning and use of this delicate fabric in order to keep it for many years to come. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Liquid or powder detergent
- Vinegar
- Bleach (optional)
- Fabric softener
- Drying rack
Instructions
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Dry cleaning is always the preferred method for cleaning chenille fabric, although if you need some restoration work done it may be less costly to do it yourself. Check all areas of the spread for any staining, discoloration, holes or tears. If the bedspread is white, check to be sure that it is a true white and not an off-white color like many vintage bedspreads, as this will affect whether or not you are able to use regular bleach on it.
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For tough stains, such as blood, rub hydrogen peroxide into the stain before washing. Do this a number of times, if needed.
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Fill a bathtub with water, and add 2 cups vinegar and one capful of liquid detergent. Squeeze the soap in between the fabric with your hands, making sure to gently rub areas of extreme soiling or staining. Soak for several hours, drain and rinse. For a yellowed or heavily soiled fabric, you may soak it in water and 4 cups vinegar for several days. If the bedspread is pure white, you may add bleach to the mixture. However, bleach can harm the fibers if left on too long; do not soak for more than a few hours.
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Washing machines can damage this fabric, especially on sturdier settings, so if possible wash in detergent and water in the bathtub. After doing your initial soak and handwashing, however, you may move the bedspread to your washer and run it through on the gentle cycle. Be sure to add fabric softener, or the bedding will come out stiff because you won't be machine-drying it.
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Chenille should never be put in the dryer, as the heat can destroy the fibers, and it should never be hung over a line with clothespins. Either dry the bedding flat or place it over a drying or quilt rack. You may also hang it over a shower rod or a line sans clothespins.
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Tips & Warnings
When sleeping, fold down your old chenille bedspread and do not use it as a covering. Avoid sitting on the side of the bedspread when putting on your shoes or getting dressed, as this will stretch the bedspread's fibers.
Lying on the bedspread can wear out fibers in addition to staining them with colors and dyes from your clothing.
