I do the same as Triskeliongirl, though I only bag the most delicate items. Most of it just goes straight into the front loader, which granted is WAY easier on fabrics than top loading washers. I just kind of wash them when I know I've worn them too many times ... they never seem to smell, incredibly. I've mentioned before how I've worn wool as a middle layer, and while the synthetic base AND outer layers reeked to high heaven, the wool had no odor whatever.