How do you wash/clean a handmade playmat?

Question:My sister in law made my daughter a playmat as a gift. It's got a vinyl like material on one side, and a quilt like pattern on the other with cotten in between. Bright colors and very beautiful. I asked her how to wash it ans she didn't even know, lol. I tried to wash it one on the gentle cycle, and my machine basically tore the quilt like pattern in differnent spots. I am getting it repaired but I want to know how to wash it so it won't happen again...I want this playmat to last a long time since it was family made.

Answers:
Since you already tried the gentle cycle on your washing machine, and that tore it... your only other option really is hand washing and line drying.

Personally, I would probably stick to spot cleanings only.

Good luck!