As needed, and that includes washing all fabric before I cut it. We had nothing but trouble and frustration with a Sears brand front loader. After reading so many reviews about it, I took to heart the statements about the Speed Queen being their next purchase. I went to a dealer in Oregon and bought the Speed Queen Commercial with gentle and hand wash cycles. Usually I will wash a quilt on the gentle cycle and dry it on the cotton setting. I am of the belief that hanging a quilt heavy with dripping water puts too much strain on the stitches. I sew with a group that sews for charity, and they look at me like I have two heads when I suggest that all quilts we give should be washed and dried first.