Caring for Your Block-Printed Garments: Wash, Dry, Store

Hand block-printed fabric carries the mark of real craft — a wooden block, dye, and a steady hand. A little extra care at home goes a long way in keeping that print looking sharp for years. Here's how we recommend treating your Sanganeri and Ajrakh block-printed pieces.

The First Wash Matters Most

Before you wear a new block-printed piece, give it a short cold-water soak of about 15 to 20 minutes, on its own. It's normal to see some colour release into the water during this first wash, especially from deeper shades. Rinse until the water runs clear, and keep washing the piece separately from other clothes for the first few washes. If colour is still coming out noticeably after that, message us and we'll help.

Washing

Hand washing is the gentlest option for block-printed pieces. A machine is fine too, as long as you set it up the right way.

By hand (our first choice)

• Use cool or lukewarm water — never hot
• Choose a mild, pH-neutral liquid detergent and steer clear of harsh powders
• Turn the garment inside out and swish it gently — no scrubbing, no wringing
• Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear
• Press out the water gently and, if needed, roll the piece in a clean towel

For larger pieces like kaftans and wrap dresses, support the weight of the wet fabric as you lift it out of the water so the seams don't take the strain.

In a machine (when you need to)

• Use the gentle or delicate cycle, with cold water only
• Turn the garment inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag to cut down friction
• Choose the lowest spin speed, or skip the spin altogether
• Wash with similar colours, never with whites or light fabrics

Skip harsh stain removers and bleach — these can dull the print and affect the fabric's hand-feel over time.

Drying

Dry in shade rather than direct sunlight. A few hours of strong afternoon sun can lighten a print noticeably over time, and it fades unevenly. Hang the garment inside out on a line in a shaded spot, or lay it flat on a clean surface. A padded hanger helps kaftans and wrap silhouettes with fuller cuts keep their shape. Avoid the tumble dryer unless the care label says it's fine — heat and friction are hard on both the fabric and the print.

Ironing

Turn the garment inside out and iron on a low-to-medium setting, ideally while it's still slightly damp. If you need to press the printed side, place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the print to protect it from direct heat.

Storing

Block-printed pieces store best when they're clean and completely dry — even a little leftover dampness can lead to mildew, especially in monsoon.

• Store folded rather than on hangers for long stretches, especially heavier cotton pieces, to avoid stretching at the shoulders
• Refold along slightly different lines from time to time so one crease doesn't take all the wear
• Choose a breathable cotton garment bag, or wrap seasonal pieces in clean muslin or an old, soft cotton saree — plastic can trap moisture

For more on keeping pieces fresh through the rains, read our guide to storing block-print garments through monsoon and beyond.

A Note on Character

Small variations in the print — a slightly heavier impression in one spot, a faint offset in another — are part of hand block printing and not a flaw to correct for. Proper care simply helps the piece age well, not erase the process it came from.

With a bit of mindful handling, your block-printed pieces are built to last well beyond a single season.