DISPLAY
     Both sunlight and artificial light will cause fading of a quilt.  Keep a quilt a safe distance from any bulb so the heat will not damage the fibers. ALL LIGHT DAMAGE IS IRREVERSIBLE. The  best  way to display (or store) any quilt is on an unused bed. If hanging a patchwork quilt is preferred, display it for only six months at a time.  When hanging a patchwork quilt, use a method that will distribute the weight over the entire width of the quilt. Sew a 4" wide tube or sleeve of fabric along the top edge on the back of the quilt and stitch through all layers of the quilt every inch or so. NEVER USE NAILS, PINS, OR STAPLES TO HANG A QUILT.

 CLEANING
     Carefully examine and evaluate your quilt before you decide to clean it. The majority of quilts only need to have surface dust removed. The best way to remove dust from a sturdy quilt is to place a nylon over a nozzle of a vacuum and then gently vacuum the quilt in two different directions - preferably on both sides and in a manner to not stretch the stitches.

     Another  safe method of cleaning a quilt is airing. Choose an overcast day to air your quilt and never beat or shake the quilt. Both processes will remove odors and dirt.

     Do not dry clean a soiled quilt by using an inexperienced cleaner. Harsh chemicals applied can be damaging. If a patchwork quilt must be washed, it is important to test for color fastness. Gently rub each fabric type with a cotton swab moistened only with tap water. If no color rubs off then the dyes are set.

     Once color fastness is determined, the easiest way to wash a quilt is to fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and mix in Orvus (about 2 Tbsp. for half a tub.) Orvus is recommended because it is pH balanced and leaves no residue. Orvus is available at veterinarian/animal supply stores.

     Immerse the quilt in the tub and let soak for up to 4 hours depending on its condition, pat lightly. Drain the soapy water by holding the quilt to the side. To rinse, fill the tub with clean water at least seven times. If your tap water has a significant number of  minerals, use distilled water on the last rinse. After the quilt is thoroughly rinsed, squeeze out excess water by pushing the quilt against the side of the tub. Remember, fabric is weaker when it is wet. To help protect the quilt from ripping when removing it from the tub, roll it in a towel or sheet forming a sling to distribute the weight. Lay it out on a flat surface to dry. If this is outside, cover the quilt with a white sheet to protect it from sunlight or bird droppings.

STORAGE
     Store your quilt in an individual acid-free box or wrap it in acid-free tissue. A piece of pre-washed muslin or large pillowcase can also be used. Be sure to wash the fabric wrapper or replace the tissue paper once a year. At this time you should refold the quilt along different fold lines to reduce stress on the fibers.

     Cedar chests, which provide only limited protection for wool quilts, often can do more harm than good. Along with staining, they have poor air circulation and the weight from stacked quilts cause fibers to break along the folds. Rolling a quilt on a cardboard tube (3" or 4" in diameter) is also a recommended way to store a quilt. The tube should be covered with cloth and the quilt should be rolled with, and covered with plain white fabric, muslin, cotton or a blend.

     Never store quilts in plastic bags, cardboard boxes or blanket chests. Avoid eating or smoking around the quilt and keep pets away. Preventing damage is the best way to preserve your quilt.