Ann Logan

Before washing your cross-stitch project, just check the fibers for colorfastness to prevent dyes from running. It is simple: dampen a piece of white cloth with water and gently rub it over each different color in your piece. If there is any color transfer to the white cloth don’t wash your piece if you want prevent your work from discoloration and fading.

I assume that you yourself understand this, but still I will say. It is very important to wash your hands before touching the fabric or thread. Of course, you are going to wash the finished cross stitch design, but why make it dirtier?
In case you use a thread or fabric that is hand-dyed wash them in advance so that they do not stain your handwork.
Unwind your thread from time to time. Just leave the needle and let the thread loose - it will unwind itself... Or help it a little to unwind.
Do this every few stitches, otherwise the texture will be uneven and the fabric will show through your stitches too much.