I wash my quilts with the rest of my laundry. Like it was said before, I figure that's what the recipient will do. My biggest shock is how well the quilt holds together. :o

I use Orvus for all of my laundry. A big jar of it is about $22 at our local Sounthern State store but it lasts me months. It works great on quilts or any other laundry.

Front loader washers are easier on your fabric.

Funny how everyone has the same thoughts with this one. :D

I do the same thing and I have the new set of Kenmores that are being advertised now that have the 5 motions to the wash. I call it the "Fingers of Death" if it lives through that then it will live through anything!!

But I wash on the normal/casual setting and dry on the normal cycle.

Billy

I use Quilt soap from a quilting store. It does not take much.

I use Synthrapol or Orvus (it's far cheaper at a farm supply than at your quilt store). I avoid Woolite. Color Catcher -- yes. HE machine on gentle -- yes. Dryer -- yes but on fluff only, then I lay the quilt out on sheets to finish air drying.

I printed some washing instructions off the internet--sorry I can't find them in my "favorites," or I'd give you the link. It was a nice sheet that I now hand out with my quilts when I give them as gifts. One of the things on that sheet is to wash them in a front-loader. Top loaders pull at the threads when they agitate. Front loaders don't agitate, and so they are easier on the quilts. If you don't have a front-loader, take a good book or some hand-sewing and go to a laundromat.

I go with the Orvus too.

is synthrapol sold in grocery stores, I've never heard of this

Same here! Except I do have children, lol.