I always wash my quilts when finished. I use Woolite, cool water, and, depending on the size and colors of the quilt, one or two color catchers.

I make my own laundry detergent and don't use fabric softener. At the risk of ranting I don't like anything that's sold on the market. Way too many chemicals. I don't have allergies but I don't like what companies are making these days.

IceLeopard I love your signature quote. Going to remember this for sure and put it into practice.

This is what I do also, especially with baby quilts.

I sometimes use spray baste and school glue and feel that requires immediate washing when a quilt is done. Also, I like the rippled look that is natural when cotton batting and fabric are washed. The only quilt I wouldn't wash immediately might be an art quilt for the wall, but I rarely make anything like that. I use an unscented laundry detergent and no fabric softener, but do use dryer balls.

FYI I bought Persil liquid detergent upon recommendation. I actually like a scented laundry detergent, but this is way overpowering with what smells like cheap perfume. It lingers forever in clothes it seems. I have even tried using half and half of non-scented detergent, and it still overpowers. If you are washing work clothes that smell of kerosene or some such thing, this might be the perfect detergent, but not for quilts for sure.

I am a 'washer before gifting' quilter. I like to give a info sheet on care, a couple of Color Catchers in a baggie (still surprised at how many people have No clue what they are!) and am thinking of putting a care a label On the quilt - esp for kids quilts.

I always wash baby quilts with Dreft. Other quilts it depends.

Since I don't prewash my fabric before using, I wash all my quilts right after I make them except the ones going to a show or a hanging. I use cool water and regular detergent along with color catchers, then dry on low.

No fabric softener in my house, no dryer sheets either. I use unscented Kirkland powdered detergent for all my laundry.

A neighbour uses a highly scented laundry product, and when I smell it when their dryer is running, I get a migraine.

I once refused to take delivery of a car when they put a car 'freshener' in it. The dealer had to have it completely cleaned, at their expense, to remove the smell. It was in my contract that no air fresheners be in the vehicle.