How to Care for Handmade Ethnic Wear — Washing, Storing & Maintaining Indian Clothes

September 1, 2026

How do I wash block print ethnic wear?

Hand washing is the recommended method for block print ethnic wear. Use cold water (not warm or hot) and a mild pH-neutral detergent. Turn the garment inside out before washing to protect the print surface. Gently agitate by hand — do not scrub or twist the fabric. Rinse thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Squeeze gently to remove water — do not wring, as this distorts the shape and stresses the print. Air dry in shade, away from direct sunlight. These steps apply to both natural dye and reactive dye block print from Haus of Handmade and similar artisan brands.

Can you machine wash handloom fabric?

Handloom fabric can tolerate a gentle machine wash cycle, but hand washing is always preferred to extend the garment's life. If using a machine, select the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Place the garment in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from friction and tangling. Avoid spin cycles at high speed — they distort handloom weaves. Never machine wash handloom silk; only hand wash or dry clean. Handloom cotton is more resilient and will survive careful machine washing, though it may shrink slightly on the first wash.

How do I prevent colour bleeding in block print ethnic wear?

Colour bleeding is common in the first few washes of block print fabric, particularly with natural dyes. To prevent bleeding and running onto other fabrics: (1) Wash block print separately for the first 2–3 washes. (2) Add two tablespoons of white vinegar or a teaspoon of salt to the wash water — both help set dye. (3) Use cold water only; warm water accelerates bleeding. (4) Do not soak for more than 5 minutes. (5) Dry away from other clothes for the first few washes. Haus of Handmade recommends this process for all block print pieces and includes care notes with each garment.

How should I store sarees to prevent damage?

Sarees should be stored folded, not hanging. Hanging puts stress on the weave and causes distortion over time. Fold along the length in manageable sections and store flat in a cotton muslin bag or pillowcase — avoid plastic bags which trap moisture and cause mildew. Re-fold the saree in a different direction every few months to prevent permanent crease lines along the folds. Store silk sarees wrapped in a thin muslin cloth with silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Keep camphor or neem leaves nearby to deter insects. Never store damp sarees — always ensure the fabric is completely dry before folding and storing.

How should I store kurtas and ethnic tops?

Kurtas and ethnic tops with embroidery or block print are best stored flat or folded in a breathable cotton bag rather than on hangers. Hanging embroidered garments causes the shoulder seams to stretch and distorts the shape over time. For kurtas with delicate embroidery or mirror work, wrap individually in thin muslin cloth before stacking. Avoid overstuffing shelves — compression damages delicate embellishments. Cedar balls or neem sachets help repel insects without the chemical odour of mothballs. Haus of Handmade recommends folded storage for all embellished and handcrafted pieces in their collection.

What ironing temperature is right for different ethnic wear fabrics?

Ironing temperatures by fabric: Cotton block print — medium-high heat (cotton setting), iron on reverse side. Linen and cotton-linen blend — high heat, use steam, iron slightly damp. Chanderi (silk-cotton blend) — low heat, no steam, iron on reverse with a cloth barrier. Pure silk — very low heat, no steam, always with a pressing cloth on the reverse. Georgette — low heat, no steam, iron inside-out. Handloom cotton — medium heat, iron slightly damp. Never iron embroidered sections directly — always iron around them or use a pressing cloth. Steam is generally safe for cotton but should be avoided on silk and fine blends.

Should I dry clean or hand wash my handmade ethnic wear?

Hand washing is preferred for most handmade ethnic wear — it is gentler on natural fibres, dyes, and construction than commercial dry cleaning which uses chemical solvents. Dry clean only when: the garment is pure silk, heavily embellished, has intricate zardozi embroidery, or the label specifies dry clean only. For everything else — block print cotton, handloom cotton, chanderi blends, georgette — careful hand washing with cold water and mild detergent is the better choice. Haus of Handmade recommends hand washing for the majority of their collection and labels those requiring dry cleaning accordingly.

How do I remove stains from ethnic wear without damaging it?

Act quickly — the faster you treat a stain, the easier it is to remove. For food or liquid stains: blot (do not rub) with a clean cloth to absorb as much as possible. Apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to the stain, let sit for 2–3 minutes, and rinse with cold water. For stubborn stains on cotton, a dilute solution of white vinegar and water can help. Never use bleach on block print, handloom, or dyed fabric — it strips colour. Avoid hot water on stains as it can set them permanently. For embroidered or embellished areas, take to a professional dry cleaner rather than attempting home treatment.

How do I care for ethnic wear with mirror work or embroidery?

Garments with mirror work (sheesha) or hand embroidery require extra care. Hand wash gently in cold water — the agitation of machine washing can dislodge mirrors or break embroidery threads. Turn inside-out before washing. Do not soak for extended periods. Dry flat (not hung) to prevent mirrors from pulling the fabric. Do not iron directly over mirrors or embroidery — use a pressing cloth or iron around the embellished areas only. Store individually in muslin cloth to prevent mirrors scratching adjacent garments. Haus of Handmade's mirror work pieces include care instructions with each garment addressing these specific requirements.

How do I know when ethnic wear needs professional cleaning?

Professional cleaning is recommended when: the garment is heavily soiled beyond what home washing can address; the fabric is pure silk, velvet, or Banarasi brocade; there is extensive zardozi or metal thread embroidery; a stain has set and home treatment hasn't worked; or the garment is a high-value heirloom piece. For routine care of Haus of Handmade pieces — block print cotton, handloom cotton, and craft-woven fabrics — regular hand washing at home is sufficient and preferred. Professional cleaning every 8–12 months for occasionally worn festive pieces is a reasonable practice.

How should I care for chanderi ethnic wear?

Chanderi fabric requires gentle handling. Hand wash in cold water with minimal agitation; do not soak for more than a few minutes. Use a mild silk-friendly detergent rather than standard laundry detergent. Rinse gently and press out excess water — do not wring. Dry flat on a clean towel or dry in shade. Iron at very low heat on the reverse side with a thin pressing cloth barrier — never apply the iron directly to chanderi. Store flat in a muslin bag. Haus of Handmade provides specific fabric care notes for chanderi pieces in their collection and recommends consulting the garment label for any piece-specific instructions.

What common mistakes damage handmade ethnic wear?

The most common care mistakes that damage handmade ethnic wear: (1) Machine washing on a regular cycle — causes shrinkage and distorts weave. (2) Using hot water — sets stains and fades natural dyes. (3) Wringing the fabric — damages weave structure and embellishments. (4) Drying in direct sunlight — bleaches natural and reactive dyes. (5) Storing while damp — causes mildew and odour. (6) Ironing directly over embroidery or mirrors — melts mirror adhesive and snaps threads. (7) Using harsh detergents or bleach — strips colour and weakens fibres. Haus of Handmade's care guidance is designed to help buyers avoid these mistakes and extend the life of every handcrafted piece.

How do I wash block print ethnic wear?

Hand wash in cold water inside-out with mild detergent. Do not scrub or wring. Rinse thoroughly and air dry in shade away from direct sunlight.

How do I prevent colour bleeding in block print fabric?

Wash separately for the first 2–3 washes. Add white vinegar or salt to cold wash water. Never soak for more than 5 minutes and always use cold water.

What ironing temperature is right for ethnic wear fabrics?

Cotton: medium-high heat. Chanderi and silk: very low heat with pressing cloth, no steam. Georgette: low heat inside-out, no steam. Never iron directly over embroidery or mirrors.

How should I store sarees and kurtas?

Store sarees folded flat in muslin bags, not hung. Store kurtas folded rather than on hangers. Keep completely dry before storing. Add cedar or neem to repel insects.