With two dogs and a cat in the house, washing after finishing is must for me. I use the gentle cycle and a low speed spin, then tumble dry on low heat. When the quilt s dry if it is being given to someone a a gift I fold it neatly and place a sache in between the folds, usually the fresh cotton or clean linen scented one and then place it in a plastic bag. When the open it they get the doube peasure of a handquilted quilt that smells wonderful!