How can I clean an antique red and white quilt without it fading and running?
Answer Hello Freda, The best way to clean a quilt if it is in good condition is to wash it. However, it must be in sound condition with no tears, holes or serious wear. I have washed hundreds in my washer. I use luke-warm water, fill the machine as for a large load, add a cup of white vinegar (to set dyes) , use a mild liquid detergent and use the gentle cycle. I run it through the first wash cycle, turn it off and than allow the quilt to soak for a while. Sometimes overnight depending on how dirty it actually is. If it has individual stains, you can spot treat these by gently rubbing in some of the detergent directly onto the spot. I like to dry them in a large dryer at a Laundromat. The only red that will run is usually from the early 20th century. 19th century reds generally don’t run. I’d spot check by gently rubbing the red with a damp white cloth. If red appears on the cloth, add more vinegar to the water. This should stop any bleeding. If you have an early 19th century quilt, on
