I don't pre-wash and have never had any problems, even with reds and dark colors. Instead of color catchers I wash my quilts with Retayne the first time only. This sets the colors so there is no worry about future colors running. Retayne is used instead of detergent but only on the first wash. After that I use Woolite Dark and Downey on cold water & cool dryer. I would never wash my batting. I use Warm & Natural. I would end up with a pile of lint!