I've stopped taking commissions, but I always washed them before sending them to their new home, along with washing instructions and a couple of sheets of colour catcher.

I've always washed them for all the reasons above too!

It depends on the customer.
If I feel certain they will follow the "Laundering tips" I send, then I will only spot-clean to remove any quilting guidelines. Also, I ensure that they know there will be some "crinkle" from laundering. I usually also include at least two sheets of color-catchers with the quilt.

HOWEVER...
If the customer seems to be more likely to just toss the quilt in the washer any-which-way, I will launder it myself, with plenty of color-catchers.

Either way, I take pics of the quilt before I even call the customer. I have not had anyone come back saying that there was a problem with the workmanship, but CYA are my middle initials.

Thank you everyone for your replies. :)