Knowing how to care for quilts is vital for businesses, especially in the home textile market.
It’s not just about cleaning them; it’s also about preserving their color and fabric to ensure longer shelf life.
Whether you’re a seasoned expert in the textile industry or new to quilt care, this article will teach you how to wash and store quilts correctly so that they look as stunning as the day they were crafted.
But before beginning the washing process, it’s important to know which material your quilt is made of.
Understanding Your Quilt’s Material and Make
Quilts come in various materials, each with its own care needs.
Most quilts are made of cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers, and the care approach for each can differ.
Cotton Quilts
These are durable and easy to handle. Cotton quilts can usually handle gentle machine washing.
Wool Quilts
They need more care because wool is delicate. Hand washing or dry cleaning is often best for wool quilts.
Synthetic Fiber Quilts
These quilts, often made from materials like polyester, are the easiest to care for, handling machine washing well.
Also, it’s important to always check the label on your quilt.
As manufacturers offering a diverse range of quilts crafted with the finest materials, we, at OmSakthi-A-Overseas, also provide special instructions for their care.
Understanding the material of our quilts will assist you in their proper care and ensure you can provide accurate instructions to your customers for quilt care, enhancing their satisfaction and trust in your products.
Pre-wash Care and Preparation
Before you wash any quilt, you must follow a few steps to prepare it for washing. This ensures the quilt is cleaned correctly without causing any damage.
Here’s what you need to do:
Inspecting the Quilt
Look and scan your quilt thoroughly. Check for any loose threads, tears, or weak spots. If you find any damage, consider repairing it before washing it to prevent further wear.
Color Testing
This is a crucial step, especially for quilts with vibrant colors or dark shades.
To color test it, you need to dampen a small area of each color with water and gently rub it with a white cloth.
If any color transfers to the cloth, it’s an indication that the fabric may bleed during washing. For those quilts, you should either dry clean them or wash them with color-catcher sheets.
Removal of Dust and Debris
Next, shake your quilt gently to remove surface-level dust and debris.
This step helps ensure a more effective and gentle cleaning process.
How to Wash Quilts
After pre-wash care and preparation are done, it’s time to follow the proper steps to wash them:
Hand Washing Quilts
- Use lukewarm water to fill a large tub and add a gentle, quilt-friendly detergent.
- Submerge the quilt and gently agitate it with your hands. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can damage the fabric.
- Rinse it thoroughly using clean water until all soap is removed.
- To remove excess water, gently press the quilt without wringing or twisting, as it can distort its shape.
Machine Washing Quilts (if applicable)
- Use a large-capacity washing machine to avoid overcrowding.
- Set the machine to a gentle cycle with lukewarm water.
- Use a mild detergent, and make sure that the quilt is evenly spread and distributed in the machine.
- Rinse thoroughly.
Drying Techniques
- Air drying is the safest method. For this, you need to just spread the quilt on a flat, clean, dry surface, out of direct sunlight, to prevent fading.
- If you use a dryer, choose a low heat setting, and to air dry completely, remove the quilt while it’s still slightly damp.
Note: Frequent washing can wear out a quilt faster. So only wash them when necessary.
Now, let’s move towards the tips on properly storing quilts, which is as important as cleaning when it comes to preserving them.
How to Store Quilts
Following are some tips to ensure your quilts are stored in such a way that maintains their condition and longevity:
Choose the Right Storage Environment
- Store quilts in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas with temperature fluctuation and high humidity, which can lead to mold and fabric deterioration.
- Ensure the storage area is clean and free from pests.
Folding vs. Rolling
- Folding quilts is common but can lead to permanent crease lines over time. To avoid this, consider rolling the quilt around a tube covered in acid-free paper.
- If you choose to fold, refold them periodically in a different pattern to prevent long-term creases.
Use Suitable Materials for Storage
- Choose breathable materials like cotton bags or acid-free boxes for storing quilts. Don’t use plastic containers as they can trap moisture and cause damage.
- Add acid-free tissue paper between the folds to prevent color transfer and fabric stress.
Protection from External Factors
- To prevent fading, keep quilts out of direct sunlight.
- Consider using lavender sachets or cedar blocks to ward off pests, but avoid direct contact with the quilt to prevent oil stains.
Seasonal Care and Maintenance
Taking care of quilts is more than just a one-time task.
Seasonal care and regular maintenance are crucial in keeping your quilts looking and feeling their best year-round.
Here are some tips for seasonal quilt care:
Spring and Summer Care
- Air out quilts periodically. A few hours of airing in a shaded, well-ventilated area can refresh the fabric and reduce musty odors.
- Check for any pest damage, especially if quilts are stored in areas prone to insects.
Fall and Winter Care
- As colder weather approaches, inspect your quilts for any needed repairs before using or storing them for the season.
- If you use quilts only in winter, ensure they are clean and dry before use.
Conclusion
Proper care, washing, and storage of quilts are essential for maintaining their beauty, quality, and functionality.
By following the instructions mentioned in this article, you can ensure that your quilts remain a source of comfort and elegance, whether they’re part of your product catalog or a cherished item in your collection.
At OmSakthi-A-Overseas, our quilts are designed with both beauty and durability in mind, crafted to stand the test of time with the proper care.
Whether you’re a business selling quilts to your customers or an individual buying quilts for your use, you can be sure that when you choose our quilts or any of our products, you are investing not just in the product but in quality and craftsmanship.

OmSakthi-A-Overseas is a leading textile manufacturing company India that manuafcture and exports textile products such as bed linen, kitchen linen, bed sheets, and many more.