I always prewash my wide backings adding some vinegar to the wash ( and detergent) the vinegar is a natural fabric softener. I automatically do this with all wide backs, whether batiks, stiff, soft or whatever mainly because the wide fabrics tend to have pretty deep creases in them from the way they are folded and rolled onto the bolts. I take them out of the dryer when just barely dry and drape them over my frame- then I never have to deal with trying to iron them before use.