I was told to wash and iron when I first started. About 6 months later, I took the 10 or 12 FQ's down and they all needed to be ironed where the folds were. After that, I wash and fold neatly. When and if I need them, I will iron just what I need. Sure saves time. Will always, always wash. You would not believe the dyes that come out of even the very best fabric, over and over I have washed them because I paid really good money for the fabric and that is what I wanted to use. Finally after about 8 washings for one purple, it stopped.