Thanks for the question and the answers. My son just gave me his quilt that needed to be repaired and washed.
It is not only dirty but it smells. I didn't make it so I have no idea if fabric was prewashed or not, a friend of his
made it for him. Your answers told me that my game plan was correct. Planning on taking it to the laundrymat to use a front load machine, using color catchers and hanging dry. Its nice to know that I was on the right tract.