"For pieces 1 yard or more in length, I would accordion fold (about 12" per fold) and then safety pin the edges together."
I agree with this and for smaller pieces I pin like colors together or roll my pinking blade over them. I use gentle cycle in washing machine and my dryer doesn't seem to "shred" them as bad as some dryers. I have soaked charm squares and strips in my kitchen sink and dryer them in a mesh bag. But you need to be careful with these. Perhaps not use precuts and just wash other as needed.