Name: carmen
Message: I have a batik....on cotton fabric for many years, framed and now is showing fading or dust? how do I clean it before I get it framed again with a more newer modern frame? I got it from an art student, using the wax....thanks a million because I like it and have been with me for quite a long time!

It's hard to tell what you should do. 

If the dye used in the batik was fixed properly, which is not hard to do, then you can just wash it. The best dyes to use for batik are cool water fiber reactive dyes, such as Procion; if the artist who made your batik used these dyes and knew anything about dyeing, then the dye will not run or fade, even if you use hot water and a washing machine. 

If, on the other hand, the batik was made with improperly fixed dye, then getting the batik wet could cause the dyes to run. This is a particular problem with indigo-dyed textiles from Vietnam, Guatemala, or some parts of Africa (to name the three regions about which people email me most, after buying products made with unfixed dyes there).

If the dyes used in your batik were not applied or washed out properly, then the safest thing to do would be to thoroughly vacuum to remove dust, and then reframe without washing.

Since you say your batik was made by an art student, it is probably safe to wash the batik, at least in cool water. Try rubbing water on an inconspicuous corner first, or dampening the cloth in that inconspicuous corner and rubbing it with a white rag. If no color transfers, you will probably be safe with washing.

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