Do NOT put them on the gentle spin cycle....I've tried it and depending on how good the stitching is, it may come apart. Even though it says it's a gentle cycle, it's really not gentle enough for an old quilt. Also, if you do wash it in the tub and you hang it out to dry...do not hang it on the line as you would a normal blanket as it will definitely stretch it and put stress on the seams. The best way to dry it would be to lay it on a sheet on the ground (in a shady area) and let it dry there.