I am a pre-washer also for the reasons the OP stated and another more important reason (at least to me): I pre-wash to get the chemicals out of the fabric before I do a lot of handling of it. The chemicals make my hands become swollen, extremely dry and itchy. I have a terrible time in a quilt shop because I have to fondle all the fabrics. I love to feel the fabrics. I have a special cream that I got from the dermatologist that I have to apply after fabric shopping and when using pre cuts. I also have fingerless craft gloves that I wear while cutting and sewing. The tips of my fingers still get dry, itchy and cracked due to the exposure to the fabrics but it is better than having both of my hands completely reddened and inflamed. I have an auto immune disorder which affects mostly my skin and each year I am finding more and more things that cause a flare up.