Preservation & Longevity
Care for
living cloth.
Handloom cloth dyed with plant roots, fermented indigo, and river minerals is alive. With mindful care, your textiles will soften, patina, and last for decades.
1. The First Three Washes
Natural indigo and alizarin madder release excess surface pigment during the first few washes. Hand-wash separately in cold water with half a teaspoon of rock salt or mild soapnut (reetha) liquid. Do not soak for more than 5 minutes.
2. Choice of Cleanser
Always use pH-neutral, enzyme-free, chemical-free liquid detergents. Avoid chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners, and harsh synthetic washing powders, which strip the organic plant pigments.
3. Sunlight & Drying
Never dry natural dyed or wild tussar silk textiles in direct, harsh noon sun. Line dry inside-out in shaded, airy breezes. Kala cotton softens and gains its signature bouncy hand after line drying.
4. Ironing & Storage
Iron on the reverse side while the cloth is slightly damp using medium-to-high heat for cottons, and low heat for Jamdani and Tussar silk. Store folded in breathable cotton muslin bags with neem leaves.
Have questions about a specific textile?
Write to our textile conservators for customized care advice.
Contact Textile Conservator