Marilyn,
That is a dilema. My first thought is that I think I would dampen the top and dry it. I also wouldn't want to put it in the washer and have a big mess. I know some put them them in lingere bags. I still think I would just dampen it to prevent too much shrinking later on. I think I would also wash the back. I only say this because with so many different fabrics I would be leary of not preshrinking it. I have never had to deal with this, but you may get a lot of opinions tomorrow that might help more than I can. Good Luck!