I would add a couple of things to MCH's comments. If you have to wash them, use pinking shears on the edges so you won't get a million long knotted strings. There is a pinking blade for the rotary cutter too. The pinking holds up very well for a couple of washes, but will need to be redone if you go for wash 3. Adding Odoban (available at Home Depot) to your wash water will help with odors too. You won't need much. Maybe a quarter of a cup.