Cleaning Crazy Quilt

Mostly one doesn't. Cleaning is highly dependent on the condition of the quilt. If it is in good shape you can vacuum it with a piece of window screen between the fabric and the dusting hose. You can also try spot cleaning with a damp towel.

DON'T get it wet, don't soak it, and for god's sake don't put it in the washer, you're likely to destroy it.

I agree with COntrary. What is it made out of? Only if it was ALL cotton (yes, there are some cotton crazy quilts) would I wash. Silk, velvet, wool - don't do it.

I wouldn't even wash a cotton one, unless it was made recently (after 1980 or so). Old cotton is very fragile when it is wet.

LilyLady said:

Any suggestions on how to launder an old crazy quilt?

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Agree with the others........but some more info would be helpful.

How old? What is is made of? Is the stitching in good shape?

Try the vac. thing first........see what that does for it.

Contrary Housewife said:

I wouldn't even wash a cotton one, unless it was made recently (after 1980 or so). Old cotton is very fragile when it is wet.

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I have washed a lot of vintage cotton quilts, you can usually tell if the fabric is sturdy enough. Of course, NOT in the washing machine, I do it in the tub.

The crazy quilt is made from velvets and silks. My mom says it is over 75 years old. It was well preserved until we had tornadoes here last year and a corner (almost 1/4th of it) was water damaged.

Thanks for your suggestions!

Could getting it dry cleaned be an option.

Lily, if the silk and velvet has discolored from water damage there really is not much you can do. You might be able to fluff the velvet by holding a steam iron over it and gently brushing it with an old toothbrush. If it is actually dirty, again I recommend the damp towel.

Dry cleaning might or might not work with a quilt of that age. That it was in really good condition is in your favor. I'd be surprised if the cleaner will guarantee their work on it though. A lot of them won't touch anything that looks old or expensive.