Alex Anderson, host of HGTV's Simply Quilts and an avid quilter for 17 years, joined Carol Duvall to discuss proper quilt maintenance, storage and preservation.
SOURCE: From the Carol Duvall Show on Home and Garden Television.
- Never store quilts in a plastic bag. They might be affected by mildew that can form in the bag.
- Fold and re-fold a quilt different ways over time. If it is folded in the same manner for a long time, the creases will become permanent.
- If you plan to hang a quilt, sew a "hanging sleeve" on the back. A wooden dowel or curtain rod can then be run through the tube of fabric without damaging the quilt.
- Quilts should not be hung in direct sunlight.
- Don't dry-clean a quilt. If you have an antique quilt that requires cleaning, first consult a historian for some expert advice. With any quilt, old or new, it is possible that some of the dyes are not permanently set, and may run if the proper cleaning methods aren't employed.
- Rotate your quilts with the seasons. If a quilt hangs for a long period of time, the fibers will migrate to the bottom of the quilt and it will eventually become misshaped and worn.
- Do not put quilts in cedar chests. The idea of a hope chest may be romantic, but the oils from the wood could affect the look of the quilt.
- Be extremely careful with quilts made from silks, velvet and other plush materials. Unlike cotton, which holds up well over years of use, these types of materials do not stand the test of time and often disintegrate as they age.
SOURCE: From the Carol Duvall Show on Home and Garden Television.
