How to Wash a Quilt in Washing Machine

Why Washing Your Quilt in a Machine Doesn27t Have to Be a Nightmare

Let27s be real — quilts are like that grandparent you never want to upset. They27re sentimental, delicate, and frankly, a bit high-maintenance. But hey, life happens, and so do spills and dust bunnies. Washing your quilt in the washing machine can sound like sending a fragile heirloom into a meat grinder, but with a bit of savvy, you can keep your quilt looking fresh without the drama.

Here27s a straightforward, step-by-step way to machine wash your quilt the right way, based on reliable advice from quilting pros and laundry experts alike — courtesy of Casper, Suzy Quilts, and the ClothesLyne blog.

Prewashing Prep: The Quilt27s Safety Check

Before you throw your quilt in the washing machine like it27s just another load of laundry, do yourself a favor and check its condition:

  • Colorfastness test: Take a white cloth, dampen it, and rub it on a hidden colored patch of the quilt. If color transfers, your quilt might not be machine-washable or might require a different approach such as hand washing or professional cleaning (Casper).
  • Inspect seams and stitching: Loose threads or fragile seams are a no-go for machine washing. Repair those snags first to avoid your precious quilt falling apart mid-cycle (Suzy Quilts).
  • Check the care label: Sometimes, the manufacturer already spoils the surprise with a clear “hand wash only” or “dry clean only” direction.

Setting Up the Washing Machine: It27s All About the Gentle Touch

When the quilt passes the prewash test, it’s time to prep your machine to treat your favorite blanket like royalty:

  • Use cold water only. Hot water can shrink the fabric and fade the beautiful colors of your quilt. Cold water is the gentle giant your quilt cries out for (Shannon Fraser Designs).
  • Choose “delicate” or “gentle” cycle. This reduces agitation and spinning intensity, protecting delicate fabrics and stitching.
  • Add mild, dye-free detergent. Nothing with perfumes or harsh chemicals. Keep it clean, keep it respectful (ClothesLyne).
  • Consider a color catcher sheet. If you27re worried about any sneaky dye bleeding, these handy sheets help absorb stray colors during the wash cycle (Casper).
  • Wash alone. Don27t cram your quilt with other laundry. It needs space to swirl freely to get properly clean without snagging or tearing.
  • Use the shortest cycle length possible. Less time spinning means less wear and tear (APQS Forums).

Drying Like a Pro: Your Quilt Deserves Spa Treatment

Once the washing gala is over, how you dry your quilt makes all the difference between a crisp memory and a shrunken disaster.

  • Air drying is best. Lay your quilt flat on a clean surface, or hang it on a sturdy clothesline avoiding direct sunlight to prevent fading (Suzy Quilts).
  • If using a dryer: Select a low-heat or air-fluff setting to keep fibers intact. Toss in some clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help keep the filling evenly distributed (Whirlpool).
  • Check periodically. Remove the quilt occasionally to fluff it and ensure even drying avoiding clumping.

Troubleshooting & Care Tips

  • Delicate and heirloom quilts: Machine washing is generally a no-no for priceless or delicate quilts. Hand wash or seek professional cleaning instead (APQS Forums).
  • Removing stains: Treat stains gently with mild soap or spot cleaners before washing. Avoid bleach, which can damage fabrics (Casper).
  • Storage advice: Store quilts in breathable cotton bags or pillowcases, not plastic, to prevent mildew and fabric deterioration.

Protect Your Quilt Today: Invest in Laundry Essentials

Want to take your quilt care game up a notch? Consider grabbing:

  • A gentle, hypoallergenic detergent designed for delicate fabrics — check out the popular options Global including USA or India.
  • Color catcher sheets to keep colors crisp and safe during every wash.
  • Dryer balls to avoid clumping and speed up drying.

Bonus: Related Washing Guides You May Like

If you27re tackling household laundry heroes, these guides will help you conquer other tricky fabrics safely and smartly: