Should I wash my crosstitch?

[Riddo]

It's taken me 8 years and has nearly 300 hours of work in it. Looks slightly grubby but not too bad as I've been very careful to keep it clean.

I know I should wash it before framing it but don't know what to use. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thank you in advance.

I took one of mine that go a bit grubby to a dry cleaners and they did it for £1 - might be worth asking around. The one I went to was recommended by the framers

Thanks, that's a really good idea Tommy.

you're welcome

I have washed mine in a weak solution of hair shampoo before and it came out fine!

I know what you mean about it looking grubby, I've just finished off a piece of work that I started about 8 yrs ago too!

I know it might be a faff but there is a herb called soapwort (or Bouncing Betty!) which was used for cleaning fine old silks.
I have used it before and it is good. The dry cleaners sounds easier though.
Wow! 8 years! Can you take a picture of it, please?

I do mine with a tiny bit of handwash solution is some lukewarm water.

If you don't wash it then the oils from your fingers (which will be on the fabric) could discolour over time and leave horrid marks all over the material - which would be such a shame after all that effort.

It's the alphabet with a teddy on each letter and other objects beginning with that letter. I did all but five letters while expecting ds (8) but the other five have taken a bit longer!

I know how to take a picture but unfortunately have no idea how to make it so you can see it.

Thank you for the advice, it'a much appreciated

it's