I won't replace my top loading washer until it gives up the ghost. At the rate it's going it may outlive me. I always wash my quilts on the gentle cycle and throw them in the dryer. For the last several years I have been using only Orvus soap to do laundry. I used to buy the gallon jug at the local Farm supply store. Then they went out of business. My husband went on line and ordered me a case, 4 gallon jugs for about half of what I would have spent for two gallons before. I estimate I have at least a two year supply as there are only two of us. Orvus is the stuff they wash livestock with. They sell it in the quilt shops for something like 8 or 9 dollars a pint. I also prewash without soap, and machine dry all of my fabric before cutting it up etc.