I am a faithful pre-washer! I am allergic to the chemicals that are on the fabrics that make them look all nice and crisp! After touching new fabrics, my hands will become itchy and break out and it takes several days to weeks to calm it down. It happens all the time when I go through a fabric store because, as most of you are, a fabric toucher. I have to wash my hands immediately and apply a prescription cream. If I sew something with unwashed fabric, I pay the price!!! I wash in warm water, gentle cycle, no fab softener and iron with Mary Ellen's Best Press.