i wash and machine dry fabric when i get it home. fold it and put it away. using detergent gets rid of the formeldihyde thats in the fabric from the dying process. if you have allergy attacks after visiting your LQS its probably because of the chemicals in the fabric. with large pieces of fabric i cut off what i'm going to use and iron it before cutting my blocks {after washing and drying}. in case you don't know, LQS means local quilt shop. i still don't know all the abreviations but you'll learn them. welcome to the site, you'll find friends and lots of help and differing opinions on many things. try everything in miniture and then do what works best for you.