Is there a special additive that is recommended when washing batiks to help set the color/dye?

Retaine.

I also use Retayne. Made a baby quilt, and soaked the batiks in it before I cut. Afterwards I washed in HOT water and the batiks were fine.

I haven't had a problem with my batiks when I wash them.

I just put a shout color catcher in the wash & so far, so good!

Same here.

Sybil

OMG, the last few provided a regular rainbow in the sink.

I use Retayne to wash them before I use them in a quilt.

I like Synthrapol. You can get it at Dharma Trading online.

I've never had a problem with the dyes in batiks. I always wash first, and I haven't noticed anything.