EdMar rayon threads are colorfast, meaning the color will not fade or change under normal washing, handling, and exposure. This does not mean that they are impervious to damage. Bleaches will bleach the thread, solvents, acids, and alkaline substances will damage the thread and prolonged exposure to sunlight may fade or change certain colors. With a little care, your embroidery projects will last for generations with the same brilliance and luster as it had on the day you finished it. Although the threads are colorfast, some colors are more prone to bleeding than others. This is particularly true with the reds due to the large amount of dye needed to color the thread. Bleeding occurs when excess dye is released from the fiber and drawn onto the fabric. Excess dye is not permanent and will wash out completely. To reduce the chances that your embroidery will bleed, dry the piece promptly after washing. If you find that colors have bled, emerse the article in hot water and detergent for 30 minutes and then rinse in cold water until all of the detergent is gone. Dry the article promptly to prevent the fabric from wicking any excess dye from your embroidery. The following method has proven highly effective in cleaning and caring for embroidered articles. If followed, it greatly reduces the chances of permanently damaging your work.   Wash completed embroidery only, never the skeins by themselves or unfinished projects. Soak the embroidered article in water and mild detergent for 15 to 30 minutes. Use detergents recommended for colors and avoid bleaches. Rinse once and soak in water and detergent again for at least two hours, but preferably overnight. Rinse several times in cold water until all of the detergent is gone. To restore the sheen of the thread, mix three tablespoons of white vinegar per quart of water in the last rinse. Roll the embroidered article in a towel and squeeze it without wringing. Standing on the rolled towel is also very effective in removing the excess water from the embroidery. Spread it out flat in the open, or in a stretching frame to air dry. Never leave damp embroidery in the towel, folded, or bunched together. Wet fabric wicks excess dye easily from embroidery threads. Reduce the chances of bleeding by allowing the article to dry promptly. Iron face down if necessary. You may also machine wash, boil, or dry clean your embroidery if needed. In the event that the fabric is stained or colors have bled, immerse the item in hot water and detergent for at least 30 minutes and follow the rinsing steps. Oxyclean is safe to use. Pay particular attention to your drying technique to help prevent bleeding from occurring. Since no thread is 100% colorfast in every circumstance, you should assure yourself by a preliminary test of the threads suitability to its use. EdMar Co. cannot be held accountable for any damage to any article incurred as a result of the use of the thread or these washing instructions.