Nothing got on my dad's quilt form treatments, so it wasn't a problem. I did have to wash his a bit more often, just becuse it traveled back and forth so much - but no matter the color, you'd still need to do that (else you'd stil be carrying a dirty quilt regardless of color...eewwww).
Use what goes with the color scheme to make him happy - and don't worry about the washing. After all, you're making it for him to use, not to put up and save...right?
Debbie in Austin