i throw them in the washer- normal-
i throw them into the dryer--regular cycle
if i make a very special quilt that i believe needs different care i determine that for that quilt---such as my wool quilt- that one gets vacuumed...if something gets spilled it get spot cleaned right away- it has been washed (gently, tumble dried)
most of the quilts i make go to people who are not going to treat them any different than any other blanket in the house- so i make them to last that kind of abuse.
and i always use fabric softener.
do not HANG wet quilts- the weight of a wet quilt (hanging) can cause all kinds of unfortunate events...from stretching out of shape- to seams,stitching breaking- pulled apart. if you want to dry it outside the process is...lay a sheet down on the ground-lay quilt on sheet- lay second sheet on top- allow to dry (may have to turn over)
the reasons for the sheets is to protect from animals...and sun- sun will fade your fabrics