I usually wash my quilts after I finish them. I wash them in warm/cold and dry in cotton cycle with several cotton catchers.

I have only completed 3 quilts, but I did not wash them after I finished them. Perhaps I should, seeing that most all of you do. I do pre-wash all my fabric, prior to piecing. I also hand quilt, but mine are not dirty when I finish. I always wash my hands real good before I sit down to quilt, so that oils and any dirt do not get on it. Always learning something new on this board.

My condo washer is a lot smaller than the one I had in my old house. If I do wash/dry full-size quilts, I need to go to a laundromat so I usually don't. I give the recipient a little note with care instructions and have never heard anything negative.

I always was my quilts right after the binding is finished. I wash in warm water without any detergent and with a couple of color catchers. Then I dry it on warm. I want to remove the basting spray and starch, make sure the stitches are all holding tight and get that pretty crinkly look.