Every quilt I make is laundered as the final step after binding. I launder them the same way I expect the recipient will. For kids quilts I toss them in the washer, normal ( always use) detergent, warm water, regular cycle. Then I toss them in the dryer, regular cycle. I've never had one damaged, ungiftable, and I know that it is going to be OK for the child/family to use, launder without mishap.

I wash all my quilts before giving away. HE washer, Downey, and Color Catchers, with rinse twice. I also per wash all fabrics prior to cutting.

I don't use a wash cycle just a cold rinse and spin with a handful of salt, just in case a colour runs.

Ewwwwwww, never even thought of those things! I usually prewar before but never washed after I'm done.. hmmm may have to get color catchers. Like laundromat idea!!!!

Handful of salt?? Does that work like the color catchers people mentioned? Like salt idea!!!

Yes I have found it works great, I missed a bright red fabric, used it on a doggy bed and the first time the wee pup had a drink it ran like hell, so I put it in my machine on a cold rinse with a handful of salt, it got most of the bleeding out but also "set" the colours and helps stop fading.

It is an old old tip that I got from my Granny but if you google it you will find a lot of references to it to stop fading of bright colours, sorry should have posted the tip earlier but in my ignorance I thought you all knew.