i put them into the washer...my own if they fit, the laundrymat if they are too big...then i toss them into the dryer. I love how they come out all soft and fluffy!
even my silks/velvet/corduroy/wool/flannel crazy quilt gets tossed into washer and dryer (for almost 10 years now) nothing bad has ever happened. except the one time i did not have a couple appliques stitched down well and they came up....I felt that it was a really good thing i always wash my quilts as soon as they are finished before they go to anyone. that way if anything is going to happen i will know and can fix it before the recipient has to deal with any stress.