Washing fabric

[heatherlayne-n.livejournal.com]

Hello! Quick question:

I bought a bagful of fabric at a yardsale, but I don't know if it's been in that lady's basement for twenty years and mouses nested in it, or if sick people handled it, or what. In short, I want to wash it before sewing with it, because you never know. But most of it is small scraps, half a yard or less, and I don't want everything to fray horrifically in the washing machine. Any suggestions as to how to get it clean without it being a massive pain? Could I just soak it in the sink with soap and water and swoosh it around a little, then pop it all in the dryer? In a delicates bag? What? Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me!