| A quilt is basically a bed covering made of two layers | | | | provided they are sealed with a defensive covering of |
| of material or fabric with a layer of padding in | | | | polyurethane varnish, and then lined with unbleached, |
| between. The fabrics are all stitched firmly together, | | | | washed muslin or acid-free paper. |
| usually in a decorative crisscross design. Designing a | | | | -You must avoid storing your quilts in newspapers and |
| quilt is an art. A handmade quilt for example, is | | | | cardboard boxes, as they are full of damaging |
| something that should be preserved not only for the | | | | decomposing agents. |
| comfort it gives but also for the technical skill involved | | | | Tips on cleaning the quilts: |
| in making it. | | | | -The best way to clean the quilt is by vacuuming. The |
| How to Take Care of Your Quilt | | | | usual method is to lay it out on a big, dirt free surface |
| Quilts are made of various fabrics, some of them | | | | and then tenderly move a low-suction, handheld |
| more fragile than others over time, and thus need to | | | | vacuum with a small brush accessory over the quilt. |
| be taken proper care of. Follow a few basic tips to | | | | -You can also wash the quilt by the wet-cleaning |
| take care of all your quilts, whether you are handling, | | | | method. However, it must be avoided unless handled |
| storing, or cleaning them. | | | | by an expert. If you must wash it yourself, you must |
| Tips on handling quilts: | | | | first test wash a small portion to check whether the |
| -You must always wash your hands or wear cotton | | | | dye is running out or the fabric is getting spoiled or not. |
| gloves while handling your quilts. | | | | You need to use a very mild detergent and a |
| -You must never eat, drink or smoke around the quilts. | | | | container that can take care of the entire quilt at one |
| -You must keep quilts on clean and dry surfaces. | | | | go. |
| Tips on storing quilts: | | | | -You must not use too much force while washing. |
| -You must store your quilts in a cool, dark, dry place. | | | | Instead, you need to rinse the quilt gently with the palm |
| Avoid storing quilts in the attic as attics have very poor | | | | of your hands. |
| ventilation. Do not store quilts in the basement, as | | | | -Once the washing is over, the quilt must be lifted with |
| basements are very humid. | | | | both arms to distribute the weight evenly. You should |
| -You must keep your quilts out of the direct rays of | | | | never lift it by one corner. |
| the sun. The ultraviolet rays of the sun are responsible | | | | -The quilt must be laid flat to dry on a clean |
| for breaking down fabric dyes and speeding up the | | | | non-porous surface. |
| oxidation of fibers. | | | | -You must avoid dry cleaning cotton quilts. This is |
| -You must ensure that the quilts are kept away from | | | | essential as dry cleaning agents are chemicals that are |
| insects and mice. | | | | believed to be carcinogenic (causing cancer) in nature. |
| -The best way to store quilts is in acid-free boxes or | | | | The various chemicals used for dry cleaning will get |
| papers. However, they can also be folded in clean | | | | inside the padding and remain there. |
| cotton sheets or washed. | | | | Once you have finished washing your quilt, the next |
| -You need to ensure that you do not pile too many | | | | step is to dry it. You can just throw the good quality |
| folded quilts on top of each other. Also the quilts need | | | | quilts in the dryer and expose them to a regular warm |
| to be unfolded and refolded every three to six months | | | | cycle like we do with all our clothes. If it is very delicate, |
| to avoid extreme creasing. | | | | you might want to dry it naturally in the air. However, |
| -You must avoid storing the quilts in plastics as they | | | | as already mentioned, quilts must never be placed |
| contain dangerous vapors, which might deteriorate the | | | | under direct sunlight. |
| fabric. | | | | So, guard your quilt and its fabric carefully! It's an |
| -Wooden boxes can also be used for storage | | | | heirloom in the making! |