Washing and Caring for Your Handmade Amish Quilt
Amish quilts are more than just a piece of fabric used to keep you warm at night or to decorate a bare wall with. They are works of art that represent hundreds of hours of design, patience, and skill. While they are valuable investments, they require special care to maintain their beauty for generations to come.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Care
Most Amish quilts cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars each, making it wise to take extra care in their maintenance. Instead of being mass-produced, these quilts are handmade by a single individual. Treating them with respect is essential to preserve their integrity and honor the maker's hard work.
Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
To keep your Amish quilt looking beautiful, regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary. However, you don’t need to wash it frequently. A quick dusting or lint removal can keep it in great condition.
Dusting and Cleaning: Use a small nylon stocking over the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner to gently remove lint, hair, and dust. Run the nozzle horizontally and vertically across the entire quilt to clear out debris.
Spot Cleaning: If stains occur, use a soft cloth with a mild cleaning solution to gently dab the affected area. Patience is key, as harsh cleaning can damage the fabric.
Washing Your Amish Quilt
While Amish quilts are generally safe for the washing machine, certain precautions must be taken to prevent shrinkage or color bleeding. Follow these detailed steps for a thorough wash:
Prepare Cold Water: Fill your washing machine with only cold water to avoid shrinkage. Add a small amount of Woolite to the water, swirl it around, and then place your Amish quilt inside the machine.
Agitation: You can either use the gentle cycle or manually agitate the water for a few minutes to soak the entire quilt.
Sieving Out the Soap: Let the quilt sit in the still water for about two hours. Then, use the spin cycle to remove all of the soapy water.
Final Rinse: Fill the washer with cold water again and let the quilt sit for another two hours. Use the spin cycle to remove the remaining water.
Drying: Hang the quilt from a clothesline or spread it on clean, preferably white towels outside. Avoid using a heated dryer. If necessary, use the air fluff setting.
Alternative Washing: If you prefer, you can wash your Amish quilt in a clean bathtub or take it to the dry cleaners.
Displaying Your Amish Quilt
To display your Amish quilt, ensure that it is hung properly to prevent stretching, mar, or distorting. Use a high-quality Amish quilt hanger, preferably made of hard wood like oak or walnut. Specific Amish furniture makers now offer custom hangers designed to hold different sized quilts properly.
Display Sizes: For smaller wall-hanging quilts, use a hanger approximately two inches shorter than the quilt to maintain its beauty. For larger bed-sized quilts, use a hanger of equal length or slightly larger to prevent side stretching.
Storing Your Amish Quilt
Proper storage is crucial to preserve your Amish quilt’s quality. Ensure air circulation and protect the quilt from insects by using specially made cloth storage bags, pillow cases, or sheets. Never store your quilt in a plastic bag, as it will trap moisture and hinder air circulation.
Rolling vs. Folding: Always roll your quilt instead of folding to prevent permanent creases. Store it in a beautiful handmade Amish cedar chest if desired, but wrap it inside a bag to avoid direct contact with wood.
By following these simple rules, you can keep your Amish quilt in excellent condition for many years or even generations. The care you give your quilt should match the dedication of the artisan who created it.