this is how I handle it - everyone will have their own way and opinion! I hated to wash my first gift quilt, because it looked so good! But the thought of what might happen when the giftee washed the quilt made me do it. My main concern was what if a seam opened or I missed ending a row of stitching the right way. So after washing and drying in the dryer, I saw no issues. One quilt seemed a little bit more wrinkly so I ironed it a little. No problem, good as new!