Hello--I have used flannel on many project Linus blankets and personal. Definitely wash it. Machine was it and dry it on hot. Why? bc they flannel shrinks a lot. and many of the people that get the blankets, including shelters and hospitals, use hot water and hot/sanitary cycles. When our family was foster parents, DSS had us sanitize items. Lice and bed bugs are issues with many shelters and homes. If the blanket is pre-shrunk it helps them last longer. Just my experience. Thank you for donating to a great cause.