How to Keep Chenille Bedspreads in Good Condition
Chenille bedspreads are making a comeback with collectors and decorators alike. These patterned cotton bedspreads, all the rage in the 1960s, are finding a place in modern homes. Chenille, which means caterpillar in French, is characterized by a raised pattern of loops of thread. A chenille bedspread may be all one color or may feature colored designs in addition to the raised texture. Whether you have a new chenille coverlet or an heirloom from your grandmother, proper care will keep the colors bright and the texture soft. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
- Mild detergent
- Clothesline
- Needle and thread
Instructions
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Vacuum the chenille with the upholstery attachment of your sweeper. This will lift the fibers and get rid of dust and pet hair and lengthen the time between washings.
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2
Machine wash the bedspread in cold water with a mild detergent. Cold water will prevent shrinking. A mild detergent, such as wool wash, will keep bright colors from fading. Wash the bedspread by itself. Pre-treat any stains with a stain remover that is approved for cotton fabrics.
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Hang the bedspread to dry. Wet cotton is heavy, so to avoid pulling the fibers drape the bedspread over two lines, out of direct sunlight. If you have a solid white bedspread, do hang it in the sun, as the sun will naturally bleach the white.
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Check for pulled threads and snags. Don't cut any you find, as the bedspread might unravel. Instead, thread a needle with matching thread and sew a couple of stitches at the base of the pulled loop to keep it from pulling any farther.
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Keep anything that might snag the loops away from the bedspread. Chenille snags easily, so don't let the cat sharpen her claws on the bedspread. Don't sit on the bedspread while wearing clothing with buttons, zippers, sequins or other trim that might catch in the threads. Don't use throw pillows with any of these decorations.
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Store your chenille bedspread wrapped in a cotton sheet. Clean and dry the bedspread before storage. Refold the bedspread at least every six months to prevent permanent creases.
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Tips & Warnings
If sections of the chenille design flatten, gently steam the area with a clothes steamer and fluff by hand.
Don't use chlorine bleach on your chenille bedspread. Bleach can weaken the fibers.
