It depends on the size and weight of the quilt, of course. I can use my supersize washer for regular sized quilts, but if there is anything bigger, you'd need a commercial machine. The drawback there is that you have no idea what was washed in them in the past. I have lots of "everyday" quilts, so I don't mind washing them. I usually dry them outside (flat on the trampoline, but I live in the country, yipee), but if you have a beauty of heirloom quality, I'd suggest a dry cleaners. If you wash at home, be sure that the detergent (less than normal amount) is completely dissolved before adding the quilt, using cold water. Drying in the dryer may fluff it up a little more, but I find that I need to rearrange it in the dryer a time or two to get it to dry evenly. Quilts from yesteryear were made to use, wash, use for years. But some of todays are pieces of art, and wouldn't want to take any chances. S.