I ordered a "jelly roll" of batik strips and asked one of my quilting teachers if I should wash them. I was worried about shrinking and distortion. Here were her directions, if I felt like I had to wash them. (1) Don't wash them in the washing machine (I was thinking about putting them in a lingerie bag), (2) fill your bathtub with the hottest water you can stand, (3) lay your fabrics in the water and let soak for a short time, (4) swish around gently, (5) gently squeeze out the water, (6) flatten the fabric and place on a towel to dry.
Of course, we were talking about 2-1/2" strips, but this would probably work with 1/4 yard pieces as well.