First try to keep it out of the sun. If your quilt covers your bed near a window and you have blinds, I would pull the blinds then as the sun moved you could open them. I wouldn't wash them anymore than you have to. Vacuum them. Many people do this. Throw a dryer sheet in with the quilt in the dryer to freshen up. I have "air fluff" setting on my dryer. 10 minutes should do it. if you have an area like a patio or carport and hang across some chairs so it doesn't hit the ground. Get some fresh air flowing through. Friend of mine also takes hers to commercial Laundromat and washes in cold water. She only washes when she has to. Usually about every 5-6 years, maybe. And that's a big maybe!