Tips helps sew up clean quilts

Several weeks ago a lady (Donna) called and said her grandmother had left her a handmade quilt that dated back to the early 1900s.

Donna wanted to know how to clean and care for her very precious item. Donna said as a young child she could remember the quilt hanging on the wall as a decoration. She said she couldn't remember it ever being off the wall.

I told her that a good airing out may be all that is needed to restore a fresh smell to the quilt

In caring for quilts one must consider its age, its physical condition, and the type of clothes used to make it. You have to consider if it is "museum quality" because of its age and condition or is it a contemporary one that you want to enjoy without concerns for its long term future. I provided her with the following tips:

A. Remove the quilt from permanent storage and expose it periodically to the air.

B. Air quilts indoors. Keep it away from insects and direct sunlight. Sunlight will cause it to fade and permanently weaken it fabrics.

C. Support its weight by draping it over furniture such as a bed.

D. During the airing period, by gently hand vacuuming the quilt will help remove the musty soil and dust. Use either a fiberglass or nylon screen between the quilt and the vacuum to prevent sucking the quilt into it. Cover the raw edges of the screen with duct tape to protect the quilt from abrasion and snagging.

E. Treat persistent odors by placing cedar shavings or activated charcoal in the storage area.

F. When storing always wrap muslin or store in a muslin bag.

In closing our conversation, I told Donna that quilts that are more than 50 years old, home cleaning is generally not recommended primarily because of the complexity of the fabrics. types of fiber filling and thread used.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabric and paints before using any chemical compounds. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, please call Ed at 255-2266 or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Ed Madan, certified executive housekeeper, Northwest Environmental Services.