DH and I both have dust mite allergies that require all bedding to be washed weekly. I wash our bed quilt every week in cold water and mild soap and once a month in warm. Our old quilt lasted 25 years before replacing. The one I made several years ago has lots of red and navy, so it might need replacing much sooner.
I've tried other kinds of blankets, but DH likes quilts. I guess I'm more selfish than some of you-- the first quilt I made was for me!