I was given an Irish linen bedspread long ago, and it said Dry-clean. Well, It didn't get used on any bed because I had 4 kids, couldn't afford to dry clean bedding! after it being in the basement for years, and I was going to throw it out, I decided to wash and dry and use it for a picnic spread. It did great. Before washing it was on the crisp side, and after washing it was really softer. It shrunk some, so I would definitly wash and dry it first. And you just gave me a great idea for a summer spread!!