When I wash my cross stitch I always put quite a bit of salt in the water and this stops the colous running.				
			
		I just soak my finished cross stitch with mild soap in luke warm water for 1 hr then rinse. hang to dry after that iron it on the back side.				
			
		Depends on how dark the pencil marks are, could attempt to use an small eraser to rub the marks out. 
In the future, use a water-soluble marker or thread/fishing line to grid				
			
		I recommend anyone just starting out to purchase a small sized kit say 5 x 7 finished size on 14-count aida cloth. In general with kits the aida cloth provided is too small to fit into a large hoop that accommodates the entire finished size. So I would also recommend purchasing a 10-inch plastic hoop and a 15-inch x 15-inch piece of 14-count aida cloth. This way the cloth will fit into the 10-inch hoop with enough material surrounding the finished work that you will not have crease marks from either your hands or the hoop. A hoop keeps your work clean and it is easier to find the center by folding the material and using a pin to mark your spot. 				
			
		To remove pencil from aida cloth I recommend using a solution of 3-tablespoons of lukewarm to cold water with 2 to 3 drops of a clear liquid dish soap and 1-teaspoon of rubbing alcohol. Using a soft clean toothbrush dab into your solution and delicately brush the pencil mark. Rinse thoroughly with clean cold water and place onto a towel to dry flat. If once dry the stain is not removed repeat.				
			
		Thanks for the question and to all the very useful replies 				
			
		Following this thread				
			
		Do NOT put it in the washing machine! Get ahold of some newborn baby laundry detergent and a CLEAN bucket. You want to put a little bit of baby laundry detergent and lukewarm water into the bucket, put your piece in, and swish it around gently. Then take it out and rinse for at least 3 minutes. Lay it between two towels to dry, then iron on low to get the wrinkles out.				
			
		I personally wouldnt recommend you using machine because the picture might get damaged... I always wah it by hand, crefully, and then let it dry al the air				
			
		Thanks for the info!