There's a difference between a bed / used quilt and an art quilt/ wall hanging. Art/ wall hanging I don't think ever need to be washed. Used quilts however do need to be laundered at some point. I always launder a quilt as soon as it's bound-- that way all ( construction grime, oils, etc.) are removed and if any seam comes undone or any other issue arises I catch it & can fix it before the quilt is gifted, sold, put to use.