Do I need to wash a quilt before using it?

Author: Malachi Kirlin  |  Last update: Monday, June 30, 2025

Pre-washing is totally a personal choice whether you want to do it or not, but if you're concerned about your fabric bleeding, it's a great way to get some peace of mind before you start your project. Now you have all of the information you need to wash your quilt!

Do you need to wash a quilt before use?

You don't strictly have to pre-wash anything, but fabric is unpredictable in shrinkage and potentially color fastness so it's better to know before you complete your project. Most modern quilt fabric and anything you've washed a bunch already like clothes is going to be effectively pre-shrunk and colorfast.

What happens if you don't wash fabric before quilting?

If you don't prewash the fabric for the top before piecing, then it will shrink and crinkle. Prewashing the backing doesn't stop that if you've already done the top without washing.

Do you have to wash a brand new quilt?

Be sure to wash new bedding inside out. Then the color is better preserved. To protect it even more, you can put the cover in one of the pillowcases as a kind of 'laundry net'. Button your duvet cover so that there is no tension on the stitching at the opening.

Should I wash my quilt before giving it away?

Tip 1: Wash Before Gifting

Washing it first will keep that change from being so dramatic for your recipient. Panicked calls are no fun for anyone.

CONFESSION: I did not prewash my fabrics before making this quilt! oops

How do you freshen a quilt without washing it?

Airing. A musty smell often can be diminished by airing quilts in a shaded area outdoors or in a well-ventilated area indoors. Place a large plastic sheet on the ground or floor, cover it with a clean white sheet, and then lay the quilt on top of the sheet for airing.

How do you wash a homemade quilt for the first time?

  1. Inspect the Quilt. Before you wash your quilt, inspect it for any wear and tear. ...
  2. Prepare the Tub. First, make sure your bathtub or large sink is clean. ...
  3. Soak and Gently Agitate the Quilt. Submerge the quilt entirely in the water. ...
  4. Rinse the Quilt. ...
  5. Remove and Air Dry. ...
  6. Test for Colorfastness. ...
  7. Wash Gently. ...
  8. Dry Gently.

Is it okay to use new bedding without washing?

Should you wash new bedding? While it might be tempting to put your new sheets straight on the bed, it's advised you wash them before you use them. New sheets can often harbour unwelcome particles like dust and dirt and may feel stiff, scratchy, and starched.

When making a quilt do you wash the fabric first?

Ultimately, by washing the fabric first, you will have far more control over how your finished quilt will look, and how you will be able to wash and care for it when it is finished.

Why wash before first use?

One is to remove or diminish the chemical finishes that manufacturers put on clothes to make them look better, and the other is to rinse out excess dye. Finishes won't bother everyone who puts on a new pair of pants, but there are some people with sensitive skin who could develop a rash.

Is it OK to put quilt in washing machine?

Washing a Quilt in the Washing Machine

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with a mild, low-sudsing detergent. Wash quilts with like colors or alone to prevent inadvertent discoloration. Avoid washing quilts in the same load as clothing with zippers or buttons that could snag the intricate stitching.

How do you dry a quilt after washing it?

Don't thoroughly dry your quilt in the dryer, just tumble it on low to its damp and then pull it out to air dry it. 2. Air Dry – Air drying is the most recommended method of drying. Because your quilt maybe heavy you'll want to make sure that you support it properly or laying it flat.

What happens if you don't pre-wash fabric?

If you don't, the fabric will fray, and all the threads will create a giant, tangled mess. You can actually lose a few inches of yardage if you skip this step.

What is the best detergent for quilts?

Did you know that Mark Lipinski's posse voted Soak the top wash for quilts? The gentle formulation is perfect for taking care of all types of fabrics, no matter how old, delicate or unique. From pre-washing swatches to caring for an heirloom piece, Soak is the #1 choice for quilters everywhere.

Should you wash quilt cover before use?

Before Using:

We know it's tempting to put new bed linen straight on your bed! However, we recommend giving new sheets, pillowcases, and quilt covers a wash prior to first use.

Do you need to wash quilt before use?

When it comes to washing a quilt filled with cotton, wash before first use — we recommend a warm, gentle machine wash using a mild eucalyptus-based detergent. Avoid using any optical brighteners and do not bleach. With drying, pull your quilt into shape while it's still wet, and line dry over several lines.

How do you wash a quilt without washing it?

Spread a clean bedsheet on the grass out of direct sunlight. Lay your quilt atop the sheet for a few hours. If the quilt is small, you can hang it from a clothesline instead. For stubborn odors, lightly spray the quilt with distilled white vinegar and let it air-dry.

What wash do you put a quilt on?

Make any minor repairs you need to while your quilt is still nice and dry. Washing - You have two choices here: hand washing, or machine washing. Machine Washing Instructions: Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle and choose cold water.

Why does bedding say wash before use?

New sheets look crisp, fresh, and clean when they come out of the package thanks to various starches and chemicals applied during the manufacturing and packaging process. These substances may cause itchiness or allergic reactions if they aren't washed off of the sheets prior to use.

What happens if you don't wash your bedding?

Failure to wash bedsheets regularly can leave skin exposed to dirt, sebum, cosmetic products, and debris which will not only cause dust mites to accumulate, but can result in outbreaks of conditions such as acne, rashes, as well as cause irritation and itching, and flare-ups or eczema.”

How do you freshen bedding without washing it?

Sprinkle with baking soda

The good news is you can also use it to freshen up your sheets because it naturally absorbs moisture and odour-causing particles. Simply sprinkle some onto your linen, let it sit for an hour, and then give your bedding a vacuum. Voilà!

Can quilts go in the dryer?

Ideally, a quilt should be air-dried flat to preserve its color.

Should you wash a quilt before binding it?

Extensive machine quilting and dense stippling can significantly distort the shape of a quilt. Washing a quilt before applying the binding means that it can be blocked first – measured, squared, returned to its proper shape.

How do you wash and dry an old quilt?

Spinning a quilt in the washer does not damage the fabrics or thread, and it removes excess water quite well. Wash it with quilt wash on a gentle cycle in a front-loading machine, if possible. Rinse and spin twice to remove all residues. To dry, lay the quilt flat on a sheet outdoors or on a bed.

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