Wool is a perfect way to manage moisture and sweat while you sleep, and a wool quilt can even help regulate your body temperature for a better night's sleep. Nonetheless, your wool quilt won't last if you don't look after it. Make sure your luxury bedding lasts as long as possible by dealing with the five following threats.

Washing

Many wool quilts are machine washable, but it's important to closely follow the care instructions on the manufacturer's label. You should never wash your wool quilt in water above forty degrees, and, if your machine has one, you should also always choose a wool cycle. Wool quilts can't generally cope with a top loader with an agitator, as these machines will damage the delicate wool fibres.

In fact, it's often unnecessary to wash your wool quilt. Wool quilts respond well to fresh air and sunshine, so it's sometimes better to hang your quilt out on your washing line on a warm, sunny day. You can also freshen up your quilt by gently spraying with water before airing.

Plastic bags

Many people decide to switch to a thinner, synthetic quilt (or even just a linen sheet) during the warmer summer months, but it's important to store your quilt safely.

Air the quilt in warm sunshine and then store it in a natural-fibre bag made from cotton or linen. Avoid plastic bags, as they can encourage mildew to form, especially if you store the quilt in a basement or attic. If you don't have a cotton bag, simply wrap the wool quilt lightly in a clean cotton sheet.

Vacuum-sealed space bags may seem like a good idea because the quilt will take up less space. Unfortunately, the vacuum bag will flatten the wool fibres, which will eventually damage the quilt. A vacuum-sealed bag is fine for a short period, but this solution is unsuitable for long-term storage.

Harsh stain removal chemicals

Spot stains on a wool quilt may look alarming, but harsh stain-removing chemicals may make the problem worse. To remove stains, you can use a gentle solution of wool detergent with a teaspoon of white vinegar and around a litre of warm water. Spray or sponge the solution on the stain, while holding the wool filling away from the fabric.

Don't scrub stains. Allow the mixture to work into the stain and then gently rinse with a clean sponge or cloth. Dry the quilt with a hair dryer or allow the bedding to dry naturally on your washing line. Deal with any spot marks before you ask somebody to dry-clean your quilt, as this process locks in stains.

Clothes moths

Certain types of moth will happily feed on clothes and upholstery. Clothes moths can eat clothes and natural fibres (like wool) because their digestive systems allow them to cope with the keratin found in these materials. Clothes moths will generally only attack clothes that are sweaty or stained with other liquids, so it's important to keep your quilt clean and aired.

Keeping your quilt in a closed chest might stop moths getting to the fabric, but oils from wood can damage wool fibres. As such, you should wrap the quilt in a cotton sheet before placing inside wooden containers. You can also buy moth repellents that you can place into storage with the quilt, but make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions.

You

It's important to keep your quilt in great condition. Invest in high-quality sheets, pillowcases and quilt covers that will protect delicate wool bedding, and regularly rotate and air your quilt to make sure you don't permanently flatten the wool fibres. You can use an electric blanket during colder weather, but you should ideally place this item beneath the mattress topper to get the best insulating effect.

Australians love their wool quilts, but it's important to do everything you can to protect your bedding. Keep an eye out for these five threats, or you may have to replace your quilt sooner than necessary.