I pre-wash EVERYTHING-no exceptions. After a quilt is done, I wash it in my front load washer (very little water) on a "quick wash" in cold and put it in the dryer on regular heat by time - based on the size. This is for lap size and above. If you take it out right away, you shouldn't need to iron. Small wall hangings, same as above with a load of well-washed colors. Art quilts don't get washed.