Can You Wash Quilts In A Regular Washing Machine?

Most of you might hesitate at the thought of using a washing machine to clean your quilts. After all, quilts are not just blankets. They are heirlooms, gifts or comfort pieces you reach for on lazy Sundays.

Washing quilts in a regular washing machine is possible, but it depends on factors like size, fabric type and stitching. Quilts made from durable materials handle a gentle cycle with mild detergent, while delicate quilts may need special care.

Continue reading so you can master quilt care like a pro and keep your bedding cosy for years to come.

Understanding Quilts

Quilts are not like standard blankets or comforters. They have multiple layers, typically a decorative top, a middle layer of batting for warmth and a backing layer.

These layers are stitched together in patterns that not only bring charm but also hold everything in place. Because of this structure, quilts need gentler care.

Some quilts are machine-made and designed to be your sleep companion night after night, which means they can survive a careful cycle. Others, especially hand-stitched or vintage quilts, are fragile and could easily fray or shrink if washed improperly.

Simply tossing a quilt into a washer without knowing its limits could cause damage you cannot undo. The type of fabric used also matters. Cotton quilts are more forgiving, however, silk or wool quilts require special handling.

Once you know what your quilt is made of, you are halfway to deciding whether it belongs in your washing machine or not.

Quilt Care 101: Preserving Its Beauty And Longevity

● Washing Machine Size

A big quilt crammed into a tiny washer calls for trouble. Overstuffing prevents your quilt from being cleaned properly and strains your machine as well. 

If you have ever tried fitting too many clothes in at once and noticed the drum struggling, you know what we are talking about. Multiply that by three and you will get the effect of trying to wash a king-sized quilt in a compact washing machine.

And, when the quilt does not have enough room to move around, it will not wash evenly. You may end up with detergent stuck in spots or worse, stress tears in the fabric from being crammed in.

Front-loading machines are generally safer than top-loading ones with agitators for your lovely quilts. Agitators can twist and tug at the quilt, leaving threads loose or creating small tears.

Front-loaders, with their tumbling motion, are less aggressive and more quilt-friendly. If your quilt is oversized and your machine is modest in capacity, a trip to the laundromat might be the wiser move.

Commercial washers are built for bulky loads and your quilt will have enough room to move around freely. It is not only safer for them but also spares your home machine from unnecessary wear and tear.

● Choosing The Right Detergent

A quilt is not the place to use heavy-duty detergents loaded with brighteners or harsh chemicals. Those might work wonders on a pile of muddy jeans, but for a quilt, they can weaken fibres, strip colours and leave residue in the batting.

Mild, liquid detergents are the best choice. Many people pick products meant for delicate fabrics or baby clothes because they clean gently without being abrasive.

Avoid bleach at all costs unless your quilt is pure white cotton and you are absolutely certain it can withstand it. Even then, bleach can shorten the lifespan of the material.

Fabric softeners are not great either since they can leave films on the fabric, affecting the breathability. Honestly, gentle soap, lukewarm water and a slow wash cycle will do wonders without robbing it of its softness and character.

● Correct Washing Techniques

If you decide to use your regular washing machine, preparation is the most essential step. First, check the quilt for any loose threads, worn patches or small holes. These weak spots can worsen during the wash. 

A few minutes spent with a needle and thread beforehand could save your quilt from bigger damage later. Next, always wash quilts alone. They need space and you do not want zippers, buttons or hooks from other clothes snagging the fabric. 

Cold or lukewarm water is preferable, as hot water can cause shrinking. Opt for the gentle or delicate cycle. This minimises agitation. After the wash cycle, avoid wringing them.

A soaking wet quilt is heavy and twisting it will strain the stitches. Instead, let the machine’s spin cycle do the work. If it still feels too heavy, press out excess water with clean towels before drying.

● Drying Safely

Drying a quilt is just as important as washing it. The temptation might be to throw it straight into the dryer, but that is risky.

The heat can shrink fabrics, warp batting and fade colours. If you must use a dryer, go for the lowest heat setting and toss in a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to keep the quilt fluffy.

Air drying is the safest bet. Lay the quilt flat on a clean surface, preferably outside on a sunny, breezy day. Make sure the surface is wide enough to support the quilt evenly, as hanging it by one end could stretch it out of shape.

If outdoor space is limited, spread it across a few chairs indoors with good airflow. Drying takes time and quilts are not the kind of thing you rush. Slow and steady wins the washing race.

● Special Cases

Handmade, antique or fragile quilts require special care, sometimes even professional cleaning. These pieces often hold sentimental value and one wrong wash could erase decades of history.

For such quilts, spot cleaning is usually recommended. A soft sponge, mild detergent and a little patience can remove stains without soaking the entire piece. Some people also vacuum quilts gently with a brush attachment to remove dust without washing.

Should you require a deeper cleaning, consult a textile conservator or a professional cleaner with experience in handling vintage fabrics. It may feel inconvenient, but preserving a family heirloom is worth the extra effort. 

● Professional Cleaning

Sometimes, leaving it to the experts is the wisest thing to do. Professional cleaners, particularly those specialising in bedding or delicate fabrics, have the equipment and expertise to handle quilts safely. 

This is especially useful for quilts too large for your washer or for those made with unusual fabrics like velvet or silk. Yes, professional cleaning may cost more than a DIY wash. 

However, it can extend the life of your quilt significantly. If your quilt has financial or emotional value, professional cleaning gives you peace of mind and reassurance that you are not risking irreversible damage.

So, that wraps up everything you need to know about keeping your quilts in perfect condition. We hope this guide has given you practical insights.

Keep an eye out for more helpful tips and guides from the Blue Dahlia. And, we wish you comfort and happiness, every quilted night!