I wash the quilts I use in the washer and hang them outside to dry. They have lasted for years, I only wash them twice a year. I like the look and feel of new quilts so I don't wash them. I have scads that I have made and need to find homes for them so I can have room for all I have in the works. I never wash my fabric before I cut it, as I like the feel of new. I've never had any to bleed yet in 20 + years of quilting.