Hi Carol, I think you must have gotten a couple of defective batts. I always use Hobbs 80/20 batts, and I always soak in tepid water then spin the water out in the washer. I air dry in the dryer (no heat). I've not had any problems so far doing this. It would be worth a try either appealing to the store where you bought the batts for a refund or to Hobbs. You certainly should be reimbursed for what you spent.