A beautiful handmade textile deserves proper care. A few simple steps are enough to preserve its vibrancy and softness for a long time.
Our pieces are dyed with natural pigments and hand-printed on cotton fabrics. Here is our guide.
What you need to know before the first wash
Because they are made with natural materials and plant-based dyes, our fabrics are alive. It is normal for a new piece to release a slight excess of pigment during the first washes, and for the natural cotton to undergo very slight shrinkage: this is the hallmark of an authentic textile, not chemically treated.
Our washing tips
- Wash at 30 °C maximum, on a delicate cycle.
- Separate for the first few washes: wash coloured pieces separately.
- Use a gentle detergent, without bleaching agents or bleach, which damage natural pigments.
- Close covers and pillowcases before washing to protect the finishing.
- Avoid prolonged soaking, which can cause colours to bleed.
- In case of a stain, do not rub, do not use stain remover. Wash the entire piece as quickly as possible.
Drying and ironing
- Prefer air drying, in the shade: direct sunlight can fade natural colours.
- Avoid the tumble dryer, or use it on a low temperature setting to limit cotton shrinkage.
- Iron on the reverse, at medium temperature, while the fabric is still slightly damp.
Pieces that develop a patina
Over time, a block print textile does not wear out: it develops a patina. The colours soften, the fabric gains in suppleness, and each piece tells a little more of your story.
Care by type of piece
Sofa covers and quilts. Remove their covers regularly to shake the filling and restore its loft. Wash the cover alone, without overloading the drum. A quick tumble dry on a low temperature, followed by flat drying, helps restore the original suppleness.
Cushions. Always remove the inner cushion before washing the cover. Close the zip or buttons to protect the finishing. If your cover is embroidered, turn it inside out to protect the threads.
Tablecloths and placemats. These are the pieces most used on a daily basis. In case of a food stain, rinse quickly with cold water before it dries. Frequent washing is not a problem: our block print cotton tablecloths are designed to improve with time.
Pareos and scarves. To preserve their suppleness and airy drape, prefer hand washing in lukewarm water with a little gentle detergent. Gently squeeze out without wringing, then dry flat on a towel.
Kirane tip
If you notice a slight colour bleed during the first washes, this is normal and even desirable: it is the sign that your textiles are dyed with real natural pigments, without harsh chemical fixatives. After 2 to 3 washes, the colours stabilise.
Also explore: Sofa covers · Cushions · Tablecloths · Throws
Also read in Les Carnets Kirane
- Natural pigments in block print: indigo, madder, turmeric
- Block print: the Indian technique that makes every Kirane piece unique
- Sofa cover: what if you changed your sofa with the seasons?
- Khadi: everything you need to know about this hand-woven cotton from India
A question about the care of a specific piece? Write to us at contact@kirane.fr, we are here to help.
