I have had some color bleed on fabric, so I use another product called Retayne. I made 3 quilts for Downey, and they recommend that you use that to set the color, then wash in tide, or a mild detergent. I am of the same mind, use it use it use it, which in that case, means wash wash wash...I do dry in the dryer as well. If my quilt was going into a 'show' or was going to the Quilt Museum..lol, then I would consider NOT doing that, but these are to be loved completely until they fall apart. Joanie ps and yes, dragged through the mud by a cute little kid...