I put new fabric (smallest size is FQ) into the washer in warm water. I don't "cram" the fabric in, but I do load up the washer. I push the fabric around by hand - I don't use the agitator. I let the load sit for about 30 minutes, pushing it around a bit if I stop by the machine at any time. Then, I spin the water out and throw everything into the dryer and medium heat, take everything out as soon as the dryer stops, smooth, fold, and put everything into my stash. I never have problems with strings or tangling because I don't agitate the fabric. My goal is to remove the sizing from the fabrics before they are stored. It's the sizing that I fear could cause me to develop allergies.