Yes, I use HOT water. I prewash the fabrics in hot.
Once the quilt is ready to be gifted (I haven't kept any for myself) I wash in hot water in a front load HE machine and machine dry on the cotton setting. I include a Laundry Directions printout when I gift the quilt that basically says that it is their quilt and they should treat it as they want to. I let them know that I already washed and dryed it at those high temp settings.
Everyone I've spoken with has said they would never wash my quilts in hot water but at least they know that is an option if there is a case where it should be done (lice example above is a good reason!). Also, I don't want my quilts to be heirlooms, I want them to be used and dragged around and that might mean they need a good washing in hot at some time. But, again, once it is out of my hands it is their quilt to do with as they want to. :-)