bearisgray

I usually overcast the raw edges with a serger or zigzag stitch before dunking them.

I soak like colors ( in case one of them wants to share its dye - if the other pieces pick up some of the dye, it won't matter much) in hot water (from the tap) - and soak them until the water cools to room temperature.

If the water turns color, I isolate the fabric that is contributing color and soak and rinse it some more. If that piece continues to lose dye after several rinses, it gets discarded.

After I am fairly comfortable that all those fabrics - including the intense colors- can be washed with whites, then I will wash them in cold to warm water with a "small" amount of detergent and then line or machine dry it. I am not picky about the detergent I use, but prefer to use the gentler ones.

I feel that the fabrics I use in an "everyday" sort of quilt - that the user of that quilt should be able to wash it with no concerns for "special" care such as having to use color catchers or vinegar or synthrapol.

However - I will strongly suggest to avoid using bleach and to dry promptly after washing.

I would rather spend some extra time and effort on the fabric before cutting it than fret about it later.

For quilts that will be donated, I try to use something unscented that is hypoallergenic because I think whoever gets it may have health issues and I do not want that quilt to exacerbate any problems.