A quality quilt represents a significant investment in your sleep comfort, and proper care can dramatically extend its useful life. Many Australians unknowingly damage their quilts through incorrect washing techniques, aggressive drying methods, or poor storage practices. The good news is that with the right knowledge, maintaining your quilt is straightforward and doesn't require excessive effort.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about caring for different quilt types, from routine maintenance to deep cleaning and seasonal storage. Whether you own a premium wool quilt, a luxurious down duvet, or a practical microfibre option, you'll find specific guidance tailored to your bedding.
The Golden Rule: Always Check the Care Label
Before attempting any cleaning method, always consult your quilt's care label. Manufacturers provide specific instructions based on the exact materials and construction of your quilt, and following these guidelines protects your warranty and ensures you don't inadvertently cause damage. If the care label has faded or been removed, err on the side of caution and opt for gentler cleaning methods.
Never assume all quilts can be machine washed. Many wool and down quilts require professional dry cleaning or specialised washing. Incorrect washing can cause irreversible damage including clumping, shrinkage, and loss of loft.
Caring for Wool Quilts
Wool quilts are prized for their natural temperature regulation and durability, but they require careful handling to maintain these properties. The lanolin naturally present in wool fibres provides some resistance to dirt and odours, meaning wool quilts typically need less frequent washing than synthetic alternatives.
Regular Maintenance
- Air regularly: Hang your wool quilt outside on a dry, overcast day every few months. Direct sunlight can damage wool fibres, so avoid midday sun.
- Use a quilt cover: A protective cover dramatically reduces the need for washing by keeping body oils and dust away from the quilt itself.
- Spot clean: Address spills immediately by blotting (never rubbing) with a damp cloth and mild wool detergent.
- Vacuum gently: Use an upholstery attachment on low suction to remove dust and allergens without compressing the fibres.
Deep Cleaning Wool Quilts
Most wool quilts should be professionally cleaned every one to two years, or when they develop persistent odours or visible soiling. Professional cleaners use specialised equipment and wool-safe solvents that clean thoroughly without damaging the delicate fibres.
If your care label indicates the quilt is machine washable, use cold water, a wool-specific detergent, and the gentlest cycle available. Never use regular detergent, fabric softener, or bleach on wool. Dry flat away from direct heat or sunlight, and be prepared for the drying process to take several days.
Caring for Down and Feather Quilts
Down quilts require similar careful handling to wool, with the additional consideration that moisture can cause down clusters to clump together, reducing loft and insulating ability. The key to down care is ensuring thorough drying after any washing.
Add clean tennis balls or specialised dryer balls when tumble drying a down quilt. They help break up clumps and restore loft as the quilt dries. Expect the drying process to take several hours with periodic fluffing.
Washing Down Quilts
Many modern down quilts can be machine washed in a front-loading machine (top-loaders with agitators can damage the baffle construction). Use cold water, a down-specific or very mild detergent, and run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is removed. Residual detergent can coat down clusters and reduce their loft.
For premium down quilts, professional cleaning is often the safest choice. Look for cleaners who specialise in down products and can guarantee proper handling and drying.
Caring for Microfibre and Synthetic Quilts
Synthetic quilts are the most forgiving when it comes to washing, and most can be machine washed and dried at home. This convenience is one of the main advantages of microfibre and polyester-fill options.
Washing Microfibre Quilts
- Check that your washing machine is large enough—the quilt should move freely when wet
- Use a mild detergent and warm water (hot water can damage some synthetic fibres)
- Select a gentle or delicate cycle
- Run an extra rinse to remove all detergent
- Tumble dry on low heat, adding dryer balls to prevent clumping
Synthetic quilts can typically be washed more frequently than natural-fill options—every three to six months is reasonable for most households, or more often if you have allergies or pets.
Caring for Bamboo Quilts
Bamboo quilts combine natural and synthetic properties, and care requirements vary depending on the specific construction. Generally, bamboo-blend quilts are relatively easy to care for while still requiring more caution than pure synthetic options.
Most bamboo quilts can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Avoid high heat when drying, as this can damage the bamboo fibres. Line drying or tumble drying on a low setting is usually recommended.
Storage Best Practices
Proper storage during off-seasons protects your quilts from dust, pests, and moisture damage. How you store your quilts is just as important as how you wash them.
- Always clean quilts before long-term storage—stains can set and attract pests
- Use breathable cotton storage bags, never plastic which traps moisture
- Store in a cool, dry location away from direct light
- Add natural moth deterrents like lavender sachets for wool quilts
- Avoid compressing quilts tightly; some loft loss is normal but excessive compression damages fill
- Take quilts out and air them every few months during storage
When to Replace Your Quilt
Even with excellent care, quilts don't last forever. Signs that it's time for a replacement include permanent flat spots that don't recover after airing, persistent odours despite cleaning, visible wear on the outer fabric, and noticeable decrease in warmth. A well-cared-for quality quilt should last seven to fifteen years depending on the material and usage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many quilt care problems stem from well-intentioned but misguided practices. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Over-washing: Frequent washing causes unnecessary wear. With a protective cover, most quilts only need washing once or twice a year.
- Using too much detergent: Excess detergent leaves residue that attracts dirt and can irritate sensitive skin.
- Drying incompletely: Putting away a damp quilt leads to mould and mildew. Always ensure thorough drying.
- Ignoring spills: Address stains immediately; old stains are much harder to remove.
- Storing in plastic: Plastic bags trap moisture and prevent fibres from breathing, leading to musty odours and potential mould growth.
By following these care guidelines, you'll protect your investment and enjoy comfortable, fresh bedding for years to come. When in doubt, consult a professional cleaner or contact the manufacturer for specific guidance about your quilt.