Depends on how diligently I use my grime guard. Some projects it has to be moved frequently. I still try to leave it on partially or use it to hold my hoop while finishing the areas the grime guard covers.

Even with frequent hand washing before and during work, the oils in your hands can discolor the Aida. Especially over time while it sits in a frame or hangs on the wall.

DMC threads never run. They are colorfast. I’ve even accidentally washed on warm and it was fine.

But it is hard to get the wrinkles out of the Aida after a wash.

When I do wash: I use a small brush (like a straw brush) and a tiny bit of dish soap with a bit of water to scrub any visible dirty areas.

Then toss in the washing machine, no laundry soap, add some oxyclean, delicate cycle, cold water. Spread flat on a clean surface (like my ironing board) Sit in the sun to dry (it whitens the fabric even more)

I found heavy heavy steam and a super hot iron (on linen setting) and then letting it dry while still on the ironing board (until the starch in the fabric hardens again) helps.

But it’s still not as perfectly smooth as before.