you can wash the batten first follow th edirections on th ebag to wash it or soak it and let it drip dry . always pre wash your fabric and iron it and your batten too. i use the low loft 100% cotten batten in my quilts and pre wash it on gentil cycle i have a front loader washer so it really spinks it almost dry . and then i hang it out on th eline to air dry. and pined now to streach out of shape.