honestly unless it is a fragile quilt or it was an art quilt wash and dry like most cloths or blankets. and use color catchers. I have a crib quilt a wall hanging a pillow sham two pillow cases and a small decorative quilted pillow that I finished up last night in the wash this morning. Getting ready to check them for bleeding and such to see if they need another round in the dryer. don't think they will but you never know. I always wash before gifting anything because it is usually going to a baby and i use starch like its going out of style. (my fabric can stand up on its own if it wanted to)