Wash-care - Guide to keep your natural and handwoven garments look pristine.

The Golden Rule: Hand Wash Over Machine Wash

• Fill a bucket with cold water. Dilute a mild, liquid detergent completely before immersing the garment. (Always use cold water: Hot water causes natural fibers to shrink and can cause natural dyes to bleed or fade rapidly.)

• Gentle agitation: Gently swirl the fabric in the water. Avoid scrubbing, twisting, or wringing the garment forcefully, as this can distort the weave and shape.

• Pick a mild, pH-neutral detergent: Avoid harsh powder detergents, optical brighteners, or bleaches. Instead, use liquid detergents formulated for delicates, baby clothes, or eco-friendly variants. For premium silks or woolens, use a specialized wool/silk wash or natural soapnuts (Reetha).

Managing Natural Dyes & Color Bleeding

Hand-dyed fabrics—especially those using natural indigo, madder, or pomegranate—frequently release excess dye during the first few washes. This is entirely normal.

• Wash separately: Always wash dark or vibrantly colored separately from whites and light colors.

• The vinegar/salt trick: For the first wash, soak the garment for 10–15 minutes in cold water mixed with a tablespoon of rock salt or white vinegar. This helps set the natural dyes and minimizes future bleeding.

Drying with Care

Natural fibers are highly susceptible to damage from intense heat and direct sunlight.

• Dry in the shade: Direct sunlight acts as a natural bleach and will quickly fade rich, hand-dyed colors. Hang your garments inside-out in a well-ventilated, shaded area.

Ironing & Storage

• Iron inside-out: To protect the surface texture, hand-block prints, or embroidery, always iron the garment on the reverse side.

• Let them breathe: Store your garments in a cool, dry wardrobe away from humidity. For heavy handloom saris or delicate pieces, consider wrapping them in a soft muslin cloth allowing the natural fibers to breathe.