I have washed all kinds of batting in my front loader washer. I most always pre-wash my fabric. I don't want my quilts to have the puckery look especially table toppers, table runners and placemats. When I dry batting and fabric, I don't let it get completely dry and press the fabric and lay the batting on my bed and smooth it out to dry. I've never had a problem and never have to worry about colors running or I use a color catcher.