Don't let 'em grind you down, Bob-o!   Go ahead and do it if you want to! Be your own man! Right on!

(As far as cleaning it, I'd recommend gentle cycle, cool wash, cold rinse, and either Dreft or Ivory Snow. Line dry, of course.)

Aloha,
Mark

PS John Cephas and Phil Wiggins were at the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop in 1989, and they were fantastic, especially in the all-night jams. My girlfriend was there with me, and she spent most of the week flirting with Phil. (They may be married now, for all I know.)