Your keepsakes are worth taking care of.
They are pieces of history that connect generations. Handmade quilts need special care because they can deteriorate over time, and while we can’t make them last forever, we can make them last a long time. The important things to keep in mind are all about providing the right environment for quilt preservation.

"Common insects that attack quilts are moths and carpet beetles."

Keep Bugs at Bay

Make sure your quilts are clean before you store them. Take care to vacuum out the storage area and maintain proper temperature and humidity. A space that gets too hot or too cold isn’t ideal. Keep quilts in a climate controlled environment and check thoroughly for pests. Common insects that attack quilts are moths and carpet beetles. They are especially attracted to wool and silk fabrics.

Cedar chests may seem like a good place to store quilts, but the truth is, they release acidic oils that yellow and weaken quilts over time if they are in direct contact with the wood. If you are going to store a quilt in a cedar chest or closet, line it first with cotton sheets or acid-free tissue paper. Never use mothballs.

Lower the Lights

Keep quilts out of direct sunlight and fluorescent light. They damage quilts due to the high levels of UV radiation. This damage is irreversible. Store your quilts in the dark and reduce light where quilts are displayed. You may even consider a UV coating on your window.

How to Clean Old Quilts

If you’re wondering whether or not to clean an antique quilt, we’ll be honest and say the best answer is to avoid it. Washing your quilt can cause colors to bleed and the agitation can damage the fabrics. To help an old quilt smell better, air it outside on a sunny day between two sheets. If it looks dusty, go ahead and vacuum it by putting a piece of tulle around the nozzle and pass your vacuum slowly over your quilt’s surface.

How to Store Quilts

To store your quilts, avoid direct contact with cardboard boxes, wooden drawers, or wooden shelves. Cardboard and wood are acidic and will deteriorate and yellow fabrics over time. You can find archival boxes for quilt storage as well as acid free tissue for lining boxes and shelves.

Plastic containers can be used for quilt storage if they are made of new High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polypropylene (PP). New plastic containers are typically clear or milky, not colored, and look for the #2 or #5 symbol on the bottom. Be sure to line these plastic containers with acid free tissue or a clean, unbleached cotton sheet. And be sure that there is no moisture present in plastic containers as it can lead to mold and mildew growth.

If you have a spare room, take advantage and store your quilts spread flat on a spare bed with clean, unbleached cotton sheets in between. If you fold your quilts, be sure to refold them every couple years to avoid creases.

"... store your quilts spread flat on a spare bed with clean, unbleached cotton sheets in between."

Quilt Preservation Tips

To preserve quilts long-term, it’s important to keep the environment where they are stored stable. The recommended storage temperature is between 62°F to 72°F and the humidity should be at 45 to 55 percent RH (relative humidity). Keep quilts in cool, dry places year round. Avoid attics that heat up, basements that get too cold, and places like the kitchen, and laundry room where it can be too damp. Warm air and high humidity without air circulation causes mold and mildew growth, which will deteriorate quilts.

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