Laundry Question - why would you need to dry clean 100% cotton velvet?

[mamicka]

Why would you need to dry clean 100% cotton velvet? Is it to avoid shrinkage? Is it too delicate & will fall apart in the wash? Anyone know?

Thanks!

Allison

[Jeanne]

I washed all of my velvet valances by accident. I never bothered to even read the label because they are cotton so I just assumed I could wash them as I've done with other cotton velvet.
They didn't shrink or fade at all but they aren't delicate either.