Remember that even though we are using 100% cotton, we all use different grades of it. And the colors. And the dyes. And some have allergies to the chemicals. I never used to wash either, but I have since changed because of the sensitivities of some people. This has been so apparent as lots of my quilts to go the NICU, and those babies don't need to fight off anything more........and this swap can be so cute with the different themes of springs, they may be used for toddler quilts as well.......So.......whine all the way to the washer......(please)