Finishing the raw edges (serge or overcast) before washing minimizes tangling and fraying.
It also helps to minimize wrinkling if the dryer is less than 1/3 full when drying fabric.
It one is washing and drying long narrow strips of fabric (regular 1/4 yards and less), it helps to fold it in half - printed sides together - selvage to selvage - and pin the ends together. Minimizes tangling and wrinkling, also.