How Should You Care for and Wash Your Quilt?

Keeping your quilt clean and fresh is essential to preserving its comfort, warmth, and lifespan. Many Australians aren’t quite sure how often to wash their quilt or what products are safe, and small mistakes—like using hot water or harsh detergent—can shorten its life. With the right care routine, your quilt can stay soft, fluffy, and luxurious for many years. Here’s how to properly wash, dry, and maintain your quilt at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash my quilt?
Most quilts only need washing two or three times a year unless there are spills or stains. Over washing can damage the fill, reduce insulation, and shorten its lifespan. Regularly airing it out helps maintain freshness between washes.

Can I wash my quilt in a standard washing machine?
Yes, you can, provided your machine is large enough. Always check the label first—especially for natural-filled quilts like down or wool, which may require professional cleaning or a gentle cold cycle.

What temperature is best for washing a quilt?
Use cold or lukewarm water on a delicate cycle. Hot water can shrink or weaken fibres, particularly in natural materials like wool or feather. Always stick to gentle detergent and avoid bleach.

How should I dry my quilt?
Tumble-dry on low heat or air dry flat in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading or brittle fabric. Ensure it’s completely dry before use or storage to prevent mildew.

Do I need to dry-clean my quilt?
High-end down quilts often benefit from professional dry cleaning once a year. It protects the fill’s natural oils and ensures even fluff distribution without clumping.

Key Features to Consider

• Fill material – Down, feather, microfibre, or wool all have unique care needs.

• Fabric and stitching – Tight stitching and quality cotton shells improve durability.

• Machine size – A front-loading machine with a 10-kg capacity suits most queen quilts.

• Drying conditions – Low heat or good airflow maintains shape and loft.

• Storage care – Keep in breathable cotton bags, never sealed plastic.

• Regular upkeep – Airing and fluffing help prolong comfort and hygiene.

Proper Quilt Care and Washing Techniques

A well-made quilt is an investment in comfort, but caring for it properly is just as important. Each step—from washing and drying to storage—helps preserve its structure, warmth, and softness. Below is a comprehensive guide to maintaining your quilt effectively, including expert washing and drying techniques.

Understand the Fill Type Before Anything Else

Before cleaning, identify the fill. Down and feather quilts, such as those from Supreme Quilts, need special care due to their natural clusters, which can clump when soaked. Always use a mild down-safe detergent and cold water. Avoid bleach or softeners, which strip natural oils and reduce loft. Synthetic or microfibre quilts are more forgiving and can generally handle gentle machine cycles.

Assess the Fabric Shell and Stitching Integrity

Inspect the outer shell for any loose stitching or tears before washing. Materials like cotton batiste or percale protect the inner fill and maintain airflow. Quilts with baffle-box or channel construction, like those made by Supreme Quilts, evenly distribute filling and resist lumping. Protect these seams by washing inside a doona cover or mesh bag, especially if your machine lacks a bedding cycle.

Load Capacity and Machine Suitability

The washing machine’s drum size is critical. A queen or king quilt needs ample space to move freely. Overcrowding causes uneven washing, while too much empty space can tangle seams. For bulky or high-fill quilts, consider using a laundromat’s industrial machine or arranging professional cleaning. Always unfold the quilt loosely in the drum to encourage balanced movement and thorough rinsing.

Detailed Washing Instructions

Check the care label first. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance before washing, as some quilts are dry-clean only.
Pre-treat stains. Spot-clean marks gently using mild soap or stain remover suitable for delicate fabrics.
Use a large-capacity front loader. This ensures the quilt can move freely and wash evenly.
Select a gentle cycle. Use cold water to prevent shrinkage or fibre damage—especially for wool or down.
Add mild detergent sparingly. A small amount of gentle or wool-specific detergent works best. Avoid bleach or brighteners.
Prevent colour bleeding. For new quilts, add a colour catcher in the first wash to protect the fabric.
Rinse thoroughly. Run an extra rinse cycle to remove detergent residue, which can weigh down or flatten the filling.

These steps not only protect your quilt’s structure but also ensure it emerges clean, soft, and odour-free.

Safe Drying Instructions

Never wring or twist. Gently press out excess water instead—twisting can tear seams or clump fillings.
Tumble dry on low. Choose low or no-heat settings, and add clean dryer balls or tennis balls to maintain loft.
Air dry flat. Lay the quilt on a clean surface or large rack, never hanging it, as hanging can stretch the seams.
Avoid direct sunlight. UV exposure weakens fabric and fades colours.
Ensure it’s completely dry. Damp quilts can develop odours and mildew quickly. Check for hidden moisture by touching the inner layers before storage.

General Quilt Care Between Washes

Wash only when necessary. Washing too frequently can wear out stitching and filling. Instead, air your quilt monthly outdoors in shade.
Fluff regularly. Shake and plump the quilt after drying or use to redistribute filling evenly.
Spot clean when needed. Address stains immediately using gentle soap and cool water.
Rotate seasonally. Swap between light and heavy quilts across the year to distribute wear evenly.
Store properly. When not in use, store in a breathable cotton bag or linen cover in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic or vacuum-sealed bags, which trap moisture.

Drying Environment and Airflow Strategy

How and where you dry your quilt affects both cleanliness and texture. Tumble dryers on a low setting with adequate airflow prevent clumping. Pause partway through drying to manually redistribute the fill. For natural air drying, spread your quilt flat and shaded to avoid direct UV damage. Proper ventilation ensures complete moisture removal—essential to prevent odour or mould growth.

Maintenance Between Washes

Simple upkeep between washes extends your quilt’s life dramatically. Air it outside monthly, fluff it weekly, and use a removable cover that you wash more frequently. For spills, clean immediately and allow to dry completely before replacing the cover. These small actions help your quilt stay fresh and allergen-free while reducing the need for full washes.

Long-Term Storage and Seasonal Rotation

When storing your quilt, ensure it’s completely dry. Fold it loosely to maintain airflow, and keep it in a breathable cotton or linen bag. Add a lavender sachet or cedar block to keep insects away naturally. For households using different seasonal quilts, rotate them evenly to prevent overuse. Proper storage maintains the quilt’s loft, smell, and integrity over many years.

Caring for your quilt may seem straightforward, but the difference between average and expert care is how closely you follow these steps. From proper washing to safe drying and thoughtful storage, these details ensure your quilt remains soft, hygienic, and warm. If you have any questions about care techniques or which cleaning method best suits your bedding, feel free to contact us for friendly, professional guidance.

When you maintain your quilt with gentle attention, you’re not just protecting the fabric—you’re safeguarding years of comfort and restful sleep. With consistent care, your quilt will stay as plush and inviting as the day you bought it.