I have a Whirlpool front loader that has an "Ultra Hand Wash" setting on it. If I recall, I can also turn off the spin cycle. That said, I put all my hose in with the regular wash and hang them to dry, and they don't shrink on me. I have a tank that's been through a few winters of snow shoveling, and it's a little too big for me in all directions. I can risk messing it up a bit if it comes to that. I may give this technique a whirl.

Did you baste the pleats before washing, though?

Regards,
Rex.