 | To prevent mildew on your quilts, do not store them in plastic. A clean cotton sheet is preferable. |
| Avoid cardboard boxes or unsealed wood shelves and cedar chests unless the quilt is stored in a sheet and does not touch wood or cardboard. Metal shelves should be rust proof and wood shelves covered with several coats of polyurethane varnish. Then cover the shelf with acid free tissue or clean muslin. |
| Protect from sun damage by closing the drapes or blinds during the day. |
| To remove dust, gently vacuum, using a mesh stocking over the dusting attachment. |
| Never dry-clean any quilt. If a quilt is more than 100 years old, do not wash it. Consult an expert. (www.nequiltmuseum.org) |
| Fold quilts in thirds, not halves, and air out every six months; then refold. Do not stack folded quilts on top of each other, since it deepens crease marks. |
| Quilts do best when they are not subjected to temperature and humidity extremes or frequent fluctuations. |
| To discourage pests in the storage space, keep the area clean and the quilts aired out. Instead of mothballs, which emit gases that can damage quilts, place several sachet bags with dried lavender flowers in each quilt. |
Courtesy of New England Museum of Quilts