I don't wash any quilt I make after completing it.......But, I don't use starch, sizing, or glue in the construction of it. Although there are pets in this house, they are not in my area and I am not covered in pet hair when I work on a quilt.
The oils in my skin are not any more/ less than natural so really undetectable and harmless......
Finally, I want that quilt -if being gifted or not- to look crispy and new, not used and crinkly....let that happen when the recipient washes it. I do, however, instruct on how to wash......but that I cannot control. So far so good!