How to Clean Antique Quilts with OxiClean

Use OxiClean to remove stains and discoloration from antique quilts. Due to age, the quilt's fabric might be fragile. The Vintage Connection recommends testing the cleaner on a small area before washing the entire quilt to know if the cleaner is safe to use. OxiClean removes organic stains, according to The Orange Glo & Oxiclean Center website. Depending on how the antique quilt was stored or used, it may have mildew, odors, tobacco, sweat and other stains on it. According to Pioneer Thinking, the dye in old quilts can run and cause irremovable stains and trying to remove them can damage the fabric. Pioneer Thinking recommends consulting a professional textile conservationist to make sure the fabric is safe to wash.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Spray bottle
• Plastic tub
• Towels

Instructions

1. Pour 1/8 of a scoop of OxiClean powder into a spray bottle. Add 2 cups of warm water to the spray bottle, according to The Orange Glo & Oxiclean Center website.

2. Spray the solution on stains or discolored areas of the antique quilt to pre-treat the problem areas.

3. Fill a plastic tub halfway with water. Add 1 to 2 scoops of OxiClean to the water. Submerge the quilt. Gently move the quilt in the water with your hands, according to Vintage Connection.

4. Soak the quilt. Vintage Connection recommends soaking for no more than 20 minutes.

5. Spread towels on a flat surface. Rinse the quilt under running water. Remove slowly. Lay the quilt on the towels to dry flat.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not wash wool or silk quilts with OxiClean.

• OxiClean is only active for 6 hours after added to water.

References

• The Orange Glo & Oxiclean Center: Oxi Clean Tips
• Vintage Connection: Material Evidence
• Pioneer Thinking: Cleaning an Antique Quilt