I pre-wash fabric for bed/throw quilts, not for wall hanging. I gave washing instructiona's If itn't dirty-- don't wash it. I recommend front loader machine(agaitation (sp).is hard on thread and fabric) Dry on Medium heat until last 10 min--cool down. Prevents wrinkles. If only top loader is avaiable, I recommend,fill washer 3/4,with mild soap-mix place quilt in. Finish filling machine, agaitate 3-5min on normal cycle -- Let soak--agaitate 3-5mins. Rinse on gentle cycle, Try not to over soap. Left-in soap will attract dust and your quilt may not feel as soft. My definition of a DIRTY quilt is: Baby, cat, dog had accident on it!or muddy paws. Hubby plopped on it after a mud fight,or working in garden all day. If muddy paws is allowed to dry they may vaccum out. Little Dust---Vaccum, Put in dryer on air for 30mins. I would like some of my quilts to be around for my Great-Grand Chidren! Sorry, I'm so windy Tinker