for me it depends on the quilt- if it is a bed quilt i am giving away- i launder it just like i (think) the new owner will take care of it- if i believe no matter what i tell them they are going to toss it into a washer and a dryer- i do it first- to see how it will come out. if it is a quilt that needs a bit more care than that i put the care instructions on the label and care for it the way i have suggested it be cared for.
never hang a wet quilt- the weight can pull apart your piecing and create distortion.
it is best to either lay them flat to dry or dry in a dryer.