We have afghans DMIL made. I've washed couple times and Dh and MIL just about went into shock! How could I take a chance on them falling apart. Never thought anything about it. That was a couple weeks ago. They look and feel great. Dh thought he would've seen them lying around to dry. I tossed in dryer on low and pulled out to see how they were doing. Toward the end I put 2 large blankets on our bed and laid afghans to finish drying and so I could shape. Evidently according to the both of them they only washed in summer. been with DH for 20 years and have washed them at least that many times. They get that old drawer smell if you know what I mean. We also have a couple of old southwest Mexican style blankets and they have been washed often. No one knew.