Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
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Cathryn
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Washing advice pleaseI have an old patchwork quilt. It was made by a great, great aunt of my beloved and has probably never been washed since.  It is made up of the usual leftover scraps from curtains and goodness knows what else. Although it looks quite bright in the photo, it would probably look even better for a wash but should I risk it? I have no idea if any of the scraps will run. Does anyone have any advice?
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jamanda
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Maybe try rinsing it cold water first? Not sure it's a job for this weather!
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NorthernMonkeyGirl
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Maybe try dabbing a wet white cloth on some of the darker colours and see if anything comes off...?
Otherwise I'd be tempted to risk a cool wash (30 or less) with a small amount of soap powder on the basis that you won't really use it unwashed?
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sally_in_wales
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if it was me, I'd try the wool wash setting on the machine with a decent detergent aimed at delicates, but there is always a risk factor
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marigold
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I'd take it to a specialist cleaner for advice. Shrinkage may be a problem too, if the fabric hasn't previously been laundered. Better to err on the side of caution than to risk spoiling it IMO.
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Cathryn
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Thank you. I might look around for a specialist but for now I will fold it away.
I have just remembered that I am going to a conservation class for textiles in a few weeks. I could ask there. There is a special exhibition of Welsh quilts at the local museum. When I think about it, I am currently surrounded by experts.
I asked them recently about a special silk one we have that it is crumbling to pieces. Apparently silk used to be sold by the weight and so rogues would dip it into tin compounds to increase the weight. Don't think that's happened with this one, I think this silk one has suffered from living in the sun and salt winds.
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alice
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I'd take a chance, machine wash, delicates setting, with a handwashing/delicates type liquid - and a fistful of colour catchers. Short spin.
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marigold
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I have just remembered that I am going to a conservation class for textiles in a few weeks. I could ask there. There is a special exhibition of Welsh quilts at the local museum. When I think about it, I am currently surrounded by experts.
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That sounds like the best option
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yummersetter
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When the puppy wee'd on mine (in summer) I handwashed it in warm water and Stergene in the bath, rinsed it and dried it on the lavender bushes as flat as I could on a sunny day.
Must have been 2011, it couldn't have been last year, could it?
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nats
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I was going to suggest washing it by hand in the bath. Shouldn't run in cold water I wouldn't have thought
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Woodburner
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In essence I'm with the washeteria suggestion, at a decent one the manager will be a mine of useful information, but the conservation class tops that!
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Nick
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How old is it? Surely it'll have done all the running its ever going to do. It'll have got damp previously. Especially as its made from used material anyway.
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Cathryn
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No, I doubt it will have been washed ever.
It probably hasn't got damp either. (Despite everything, the house isn't damp in the usual way. There is no mould or anything like that. It has rain coming straight in and probably a n old spring near the front door but not that mouldy smelly damp.)
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NorthernMonkeyGirl
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No, I doubt it will have been washed ever.
It probably hasn't got damp either. (Despite everything, the house isn't damp in the usual way. There is no mould or anything like that. It has rain coming straight in and probably a n old spring near the front door but not that mouldy smelly damp.) |
