Take a deep breath, it will be OK. I make lots of minky backed quilts for family and Children's Hospital. I wash the quilts in regular cycle (warm or hot water), toss in the dryer and dry on regular setting. Recipients at the hospital don't need to be concerned how they do their laundry so I want to be sure I'm giving a quilt that's not particular how it's cared for. I have not had any problems with stretching and rarely any bleeding. I do wash the minky first with a Color Catcher so I suggest tossing one in the washer. Good luck and enjoy your new quilt.