John Martinson,

Having recently prepared fifteen antique quilts for exhibit, I can pass
along what conservators have explained to me:

The proportion and the amount of Orvus depends on the fabric (beware of
wool and silk!) and size of your quilt. Discuss it with a your Orvus
supplier (Light Impressions 1-800-828-6216) local conservator (we
recommend the Upper Midwest Conservation Association - contact them
through their website) before attempting "wet-clean" on your own.

First, you should evaluate whether or not the fabric can withstand wet
cleaning.  Antique quilts in regular use needn't be cleaned more often
than once every 3 - 5 years. On display in a controlled environment,
obviously they should be washed only rarely.  Then before reaching for
Orvus, you will want to rinse with clean, cold water several times before
you determine whether or not a detergent is necessary.  Most often it
isn't.  Because water weakens fibers at the same time it weighs them down,
SUPPORT the quilt in and out of the water, with a clean white sheet or
snag-free netting.

Remember, it is better to have a dingy quilt than to damage it by
overcleaning.

Good luck,

Jennifer Carlquist
Curatorial Asst
Glensheen Historic Estate
U of MN - Duluth, MN


On Mon, 8 Feb 1999, John Martinson wrote:

>   I had a question on cleaning quilts...and was asked if I knew the correct mixture
> for "orvus" soap.  I heard it was used for horses, but is also good for preserving quilts
> and delicate textiles.   Does anyone know about the soap or correct mixture?
> John Martinson
>