I don't worry about color-fastness with DMC so much but I have been burned by other non-DMC kits and having the reds run. I just make sure that when I wash the finished project that I use cold water and just a teaspoon of vinegar to set the color. If you're really concerned you can soak the thread in the water/vinegar mixture before stitching but I usually just cross my fingers and go for it. Again, with DMC it's usually OK.

quilterangel - what are you quilting? More than one, I'll bet. - Val

I am cross stitching a paska cover for a Ukrainian Easter.
what is the ratio for vinegar to water?
Susan

DMC is the one floss that I don't worry about. I have never pretreated any of my projects and I only use DMC floss. I wash them when finished in my washer on gentle with warm water and then air dry them. I don't use other brands because some of them do have color running problems.

I totally agree with syagel. You mentioned that you haven't stitched in 20 years even if you plan on using 20 year old DMC I wouldn't worry. I stitched back then and never had a problem but like the others have had issues with other brands. Good luck.