When the fabric keeps tearing is when I get rid of it. With my great-grandmother's quilts - I took out a 2 foot section plus enough binding to make a small example block and then just tossed it into fabric recycling (Our community has that). The quilt my late sister had is getting some repairs and a new backing and going into the car. I don't worry about damage or stains to car quilts/afghans. I made this for her using leftover halloween fabrics, but many of them are cheapo Joann's fabrics that have faded or not lasted well.