A beautiful handmade textile deserves to be well looked after. Our pieces are dyed with natural pigments and hand-printed on cotton cloth: a few simple steps are all it takes to preserve their vibrancy and softness for years to come.
Here is our guide.
What you should know before the first wash:
Because they are made with natural materials and plant-based dyes, our textiles are living fabrics. It is normal for a new piece to release a slight surplus of pigment during the first few washes, and for the natural cotton to shrink very slightly: this is the hallmark of an authentic textile, free from chemical treatments. A few precautions will keep everything under control.
Our washing tips
- Wash at 30 °C maximum, on a delicate cycle.
- Separate for the first few washes: wash coloured pieces on their own.
- Use a gentle detergent, free from bleaching agents or chlorine, as they damage natural pigments.
- Close cushion covers and pillowcases before washing to protect the finishing details.
- Avoid prolonged soaking, which can cause colours to bleed.
- If you get a stain, do not rub and do not use stain remover. Wash the entire piece as quickly as possible.
Drying and ironing
- Air-dry in the shade whenever possible: direct sunlight can fade natural dyes.
- Avoid the tumble dryer, or use it on a low temperature to limit cotton shrinkage.
- Iron on the reverse side, at a medium temperature, while the fabric is still slightly damp.
Pieces that develop a patina and reveal their authenticity.
Over time, a block print textile does not wear out: it develops a patina. The colours soften, the fabric gains suppleness, and each piece tells a little more of your story.
By caring for your pieces, you extend the gesture of our artisans and give yourself, season after season, a home that truly feels like you.
Care by type of piece
Sofa covers and quilts — Remove the covers regularly to shake out the filling and restore its loft. Wash the cover on its own, without overloading the drum, so the fabric is properly rinsed. A brief tumble on low heat, followed by flat drying, helps restore the original suppleness.
Cushions — Always remove the inner cushion pad before washing the cover. Close the zip or buttons to protect the finishing details during the cycle. If your cover is embroidered, turn it inside out to preserve the embroidery threads.
Tablecloths and placemats — These are the pieces that see the most daily use, and that is perfectly normal! In case of a food stain, rinse quickly with cold water before it dries. Frequent washing is no problem at all: our block print cotton tablecloths are designed to withstand regular use and to become more beautiful with time.
Pareos and scarves — To preserve all their suppleness and airy drape, hand wash in lukewarm water with a little gentle detergent. Wring gently without twisting, then lay flat to dry on a towel. The result is well worth it: a soft and fluid pareo, ready for your next getaway.
Kirane Tip
If you notice a slight colour bleed during the first washes, that is perfectly normal and actually a good sign: it means your textiles are dyed with genuine natural pigments, without harsh chemical fixatives. After 2-3 washes, the colours stabilise and become more resilient.
Looking to complete your interior? Browse our cushions, our duvet covers and our table linen.
Also read in Les Carnets Kirane:
- The secret behind our colours: natural pigments
- Block print: when ancient Indian art elevates our interiors
- Sofa cover: refresh your sofa with the seasons
— Have a question about caring for a specific piece? Write to us at contact@kirane.fr, we are here to help.
