I prefer to wash my quilts in a laundry detergent that has as little in it as possible. I use the same soap I use for diapers (and no, you can't use Dreft on diapers) and it's always worked great. I've used both a Martha Stewart Eco-friendly soap from publix and an Eco-friendly bare-bones soap from whole foods. Whatever you use, read the ingredients. That can be a real eye-opener.