How to Wash Your Quilt… don’t be afraid of this!

I’ve loved a good scrunchy quilt. It make it so much more snuggly and when you wash your quilt it helps the one who gets the quilt (if it’s for a gift) feel a little more comfortable about using it and washing it again.

You’ve made a beautiful handmade quilt, and now it’s time for the first wash before gifting it.

If you’re anything like me, washing that quilt for the first time can feel a little nerve-wracking, especially if it’s meant to be a special gift.

Washing a quilt for the first time can feel a little nerve-wracking, especially when it’s one you’ve spent hours making and plan to gift to someone special.

I totally get it—you want it to look perfect, stay soft, and keep those beautiful colors intact.

Whether it’s a new quilt fresh off your sewing machine or a quilt you’ve had around for a while, getting that first wash right is key to making sure your handmade creation stays in great shape.

I’m here to walk you through the process step-by-step, sharing what I’ve learned over the years about the best way to wash quilts without causing any damage. From using color catchers to avoid fabric dye running, to dealing with the extra weight of a wet quilt, I’ve got all the tips you need.

But don’t worry—I’ve got all the tips you need to make sure your quilt comes out clean, soft, and ready to wrap up and hand over with excitement that they are going to love it!

The First Washing: Prepping Your Quilt

Before we get to the washing machine, take a good look at your quilt. I like to check for loose threads or small bits of lint, and using a lint roller can be a great way to clean up those little details.

For those who love making baby quilts or bed quilts, giving your quilt a gentle shake outside helps remove dust and dirt before washing.

If your quilt has delicate fabrics or intricate parts, you might even consider using a soft toothbrush to clean up tiny spots—especially for art quilts or heirloom quilts that need a little extra care.

Choosing the Best Way to Wash

When it comes to washing quilts, I usually recommend machine washing on a gentle cycle with cold water. That’s the safest route for most cotton quilts and quilts with cotton batting, and it helps prevent fabric shrinkage. If you’ve used polyester batting, no worries—the gentle cycle works for that too.

A front loader is the best bet since it’s easier on bulky items like quilts. But if you’re worried about your quilt’s delicate fabrics or have an antique quilt, hand washing in cool water with a mild detergent or quilt wash is the next best thing.

For those really special heirloom quilts or antique quilts, some quilters go for dry cleaning, but make sure the dry cleaner knows how to handle quilts.

Dry cleaning isn’t always necessary, and machine washing or hand washing with care can often get the job done just as well.

Protecting Colors with a Color Catcher Sheet

Now, let’s talk about one of my best tricks—using a color catcher sheet. Especially for a new quilt with bright or dark fabrics, fabric dye can be unpredictable during the first wash cycle.

Tossing in a color catcher sheet can prevent any color transfer between those different colors you worked so hard to match! You only need one or two per wash to keep those colors locked in place.

They act like little magnets, trapping any loose dye before it can settle onto the other fabrics.

It’s such a simple step but can really protect all those carefully chosen colors from turning into a blotchy mess.

Trust me, it’s worth the peace of mind!

Washing the Quilt: Water, Detergent, and Cycle

Once you’re ready to wash, fill your washing machine with enough water to let your quilt move around freely. I always use cold water, never hot water, as it helps preserve the fabric and prevent shrinkage. Add a gentle detergent—no fabric softener, though!

Fabric softeners can coat the fibers and actually make your quilt less soft in the long run. If you’re worried about any lingering soap, adding a splash of white vinegar during the rinse cycle is a great way to remove any residue without damaging the quilt.

When it’s time to start the wash, go for the slowest wash cycle your machine has.

The delicate or gentle cycle is the way to go for handmade quilts, especially if you’ve used delicate fabrics or intricate stitching.

Handling the Weight of a Wet Quilt

Now, let’s talk about what happens when that quilt gets wet—it’s going to get much heavier. Depending on the size, it can feel like you’re lifting a small boulder!

Wet quilts can be tricky to move around because all that water gets soaked into the fabric and batting. Avoid wringing it out as that can stretch or damage the fabric. Instead, gently press out the excess water in the machine by using the spin cycle on the lowest speed.

If you’re hand-washing or need to lift it from the machine, make sure you support the weight evenly to avoid stretching the fabric. I like to use both hands and cradle it, or even fold it in half before moving it.

When drying, lay it flat so it doesn’t pull or distort while it’s still damp. It might take a little patience, but it’ll help keep your quilt in perfect shape.

Drying Your Quilt: Air Drying or Tumble Dry?

Now that your quilt is clean, it’s time for the drying process. Air drying is always the safest option. Lay your quilt flat on a drying rack or a bed of dry towels in a dry place, out of direct sunlight.

Sun can cause fabric dye to fade, especially on antique or brightly colored quilts. If you’re in a rush, using a tumble dry setting on low heat is okay, but avoid high heat—it can lead to fabric shrinkage or damage the batting.

If you do choose the dryer, toss in a clean, white cloth or a couple of dry towels to help speed up the drying time and fluff up the quilt. You could even add a couple of tennis balls wrapped in socks to help it dry evenly. Just make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overheat.

Taking Care of Old and Vintage Quilts

If you’re washing old quilts or vintage quilts that have been in the family a long time, I’d recommend sticking with hand washing in distilled water or cool water with a very gentle detergent.

These quilts are often more fragile, so skipping the washing machine entirely can help them last a long time. Once clean, let them air dry flat just like newer quilts.

Final Tips

As a last step, use a lint roller to remove any small fuzzies or loose threads from the clean quilt. And if you ever notice stubborn stains, spot-cleaning with a bit of soapy water and a soft toothbrush is a good idea.

Now that you know the best way to wash quilts—whether they’re brand-new bed quilts or beloved heirloom quilts—you can be sure your gift will arrive in perfect condition. Taking a little extra time for proper quilt care will keep your handmade creation in good condition for years to come, ready to be loved and snuggled for a long time.

Additional Quilting Resources

• Vintage quilts – what you can do with them
• Vintage Hankies baby quilt
• Will polyester thread shrink?
• Sew a pincushion for your sewing machine

If you are not sure how to store your quilts when they aren’t being used, this will go over some great tips and hints so they don’t get creased!

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