DECORATIVE TABLE TOP LINENS and LACE CARE:
When laundering, we recommend a gentle cycle when using the washer. Using those mesh laundry bags for any finer linens to keep them from being thrashed in the machine is a must. OR string ties to secure crocheted pieces is effective as well. lIn doing so, just about any old linen or cotton piece can be put in the washing machine. Line drying is best for solid pieces. It is also effective to partially use the dryer and then hang or spread out the piece while still a bit damp so any wrinkles drop out. Crochet items can also be run through the washer using a mesh bag but should then be stretched and spread out flat. If laid out properly, there should be very little ironing needed. A spritz of water and a hot iron will make ironing easier, particularly with heavier linen or damask fabrics.
For prints and embroidery, for the most part, retro prints are color fast and will not bleed. These can even handle a slight splash of bleach to brighten the white and the print will hold up through this. The same is usually true for embroidery thread. It is only very eastern European thread that bleeds, usually from Hungary or similar locations. Again, using a mesh laundry bag will protect your antique piece from being damaged.
QUILT CARE:
Before you clean your vintage quilt, you'll need to repair any rips or tears in the fabric. Spread the quilt out on a bed or on top of a sheet on the floor and examine carefully for any worn patches, tears or stains.
If you are a good seamstress, repair the quilt yourself by using small stitches and thread and fabric that match the design and colors of your quilt. Vintage quilts require special care during cleaning. Do not dry clean or machine wash an heirloom piece. Dry cleaning chemicals can permanently harm old fabrics and the agitation action of a washing machine can cause fibers to shred.
Begin by airing your quilt outside on a sunny day to restore freshness. To remove dust, vacuum with a nylon stocking over the end of vacuum hose and hold the hose slightly above the top of the quilt. If the quilt has beading, embroidery or appliqué, do not vacuum. You could damage the work.
You can hand wash the quilt but don't feel comfortable doing it yourself search for a qualified quilt conservation or restoration service. Ask how they will clean the quilt and their level of experience. Any cleaning done to antique fabrics could damage or destroy your quilt. Based on the monetary and personal value of the quilt, you may decide to leave it as is rather than risk destroying a priceless piece of work.
Hand Washing Heirloom Quilts
If you feel that you quilt must be washed, begin by checking the fabric for colorfastness. Testing is simple, wet a piece of white cloth with cold water and gently rub it over each different color or fabric in your quilt. If there is any color transfer to the white cloth, don’t wash your quilt at all. Washing will result in discoloration and fading.
If you have hard water or iron bacteria in your water source, you should use distilled water for washing your quilt. You don’t want to risk having minerals stain your fabric.
To hand-wash, fill a deep, laundry sink or bathtub with cold water. Be certain that the sink or tub is very clean and has no residue from cleaning agents that could cause damage to the quilt. Use a liquid detergent that is gentle and free of dyes and perfumes. A liquid detergent will disperse in the water and leave less residue on the fabric. Add 1/2 cup vinegar to the water to both brighten colors and soften the quilt.
Place your quilt in the water, being certain that the entire quilt gets wet. Gently move your quilt around in the water. Allow the quilt to remain in the water for about 10 minutes. Next, drain the wash water and fill the tub again with fresh water. Repeat draining and refilling the tub until the water and quilt are soap free – clear water and no suds.
Drying the Quilt:
Proper drying is key to keeping your quilt at its best. Wet quilts must be handled gently. Pulling can break seams and cause damage. The quilt will be heavy and should be dried flat. To lift the quilt from the tub, use a white sheet to create a sling. Allow the excess water to drain than place the quilt on a bed of heavy towels. Cover with more towels and roll up to absorb water. Move the quilt to another bed of dry towels, spread out flat and allow to dry. Placing a fan in the room will help to speed the process.
If you have space, place a sheet on the grass outside and spread out the quilt. Cover the quilt with another clean sheet and allow to dry. Never suspend a wet quilt from a clothesline. This causes too much stress on seams and cause tearing and can displace batting.
