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"  What&amp;#039;s the safest way to clean a handmade heirloom quilt? \u2014Holly Schneider, Charlotte, NC Since no method is 100 percent safe if the quilt is an antique, spot-cleaning may be your best option. Fabric stores carry special soaps without additives that would be harsh on old cloth and dyes. Before you start, use a cotton swab to test this soap on an inconspicuous area to make sure it is color-safe. Never dry-clean an heirloom quilt or put it in the washer or dryer \u2014 the fabric could bleed and disintegrate. However, you&amp;#039;ll probably be able to hand-wash a new handmade quilt. First check the care label. Then take the quilt outside and gently shake it to remove loose dust and dirt. Fill a bathtub with slightly warm water and add a mild liquid detergent without softeners, bleaches, fragrances, or brighteners. Place the quilt on a bedsheet (this will make it easier to remove the quilt from the tub) and carefully immerse in the water. Let sit for several hours, then drain and refill the tub. Repeat until the rinse water is clear. Gently press out excess water while the quilt is still in the tub, then carefully lift it out with the sheet. Lay the quilt flat on a clean sheet on a waterproof floor (not wood) to air-dry. For more specifics on quilt care, visit centerforthequilt.org. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a21309/cleaning-handmade-patchwork-jan07/>