I clip each of the raw edges off about a 1" triangle of the larger pieces, and I only wash in mesh zippered laundry bags. You can get them at the dollar store. I use the sweater bags for large pieces, and the lingerie bags for the smaller pieces.
For your smokey fabric, I would first put it through a wash cycle with dawn dish detergent (your smoke may be greasy) with about 8 ounces of vinegar to a full load. You only need a dab of Dawn. You don't need a gentle cycle unless you do not use the laundry bags..
When that is finished washing, leave it in the washing machine and wash again using arm and hammer, with a good detergent like liquid Tide original scent, and 1/2 cup vinegar. The first step is to degrease which is important. Dawn is a degreaser.