I guess the reason I do, is I want to be the one to see how the quilt looks after washing, if it needs some unseen repair from before the washing - or????? But, then that is me.... I always use cold water, oxyclean, and line dry - so it should not fade, but also add the color grabbing sheets to the wash... make sure. and I peak at the water so make sure it is not fading; if so, I also include the sheets with the "gift" so they know they too can keep it looking new.