A Guide to Natural Textile Care

 

Handcrafted textiles, like authentic African mudcloth or vibrant wax prints, are more than just home decor—they are works of art. Each thread, pattern, and dye tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and culture.

 

Bringing these pieces into your home adds a layer of soul that mass-produced items simply cannot replicate. But with this unique beauty comes a need for special attention. Proper textile care is essential to preserving natural fabrics and ensuring these beautiful works of art remain a cherished part of your home for years to come.

 

General Rules for Natural Fabrics

Most handcrafted textiles are made from natural fibers like cotton and use natural or small-batch dyes. This requires a gentler approach than your standard laundry routine.

• Cold Water is Key: Hot water can cause natural fibers to shrink and can accelerate the fading of natural dyes. Always use cold water for washing.

• Use Gentle, pH-Neutral Detergents: Harsh chemical detergents can strip colors and damage delicate fibers. Opt for a mild, pH-neutral detergent, or even a specialized soap for delicates.

• Avoid the Dryer at All Costs: The high heat of a machine dryer is the enemy of handcrafted textiles. It can cause irreversible shrinkage, damage the fibers, and set wrinkles. Always air-dry your textiles, either by laying them flat on a clean towel or hanging them in a shady, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

 

Specific Care for Mudcloth (Bògòlanfini)

Knowing how to care for mudcloth is crucial, as this special textile is created with fermented mud and natural plant dyes, making it particularly delicate.

• Spot Cleaning is Your First Defense: For small spills or stains, spot cleaning is always the best option. Gently blot the area with a clean, damp cloth and a very small amount of mild soap. Rubbing can damage the fibers and lift the dye, so a gentle dabbing motion is key.

• The Gentle Hand-Washing Process: If the entire piece needs to be washed, it must be done by hand. Fill a basin with cold water and a small amount of pH-neutral soap. Submerge the textile and gently agitate it with your hands for a few minutes. Do not scrub or wring it out. Drain the soapy water, refill with clean, cold water, and rinse until the water is clear.

• Handle Fading and Dye Transfer: It is natural for authentic mudcloth to release some excess dye during the first few washes. This is a sign of its handmade nature. Always wash it separately to prevent dye transfer to other items. Some fading over time is also a natural characteristic of this beautiful, earth-made textile.

Caring for African Wax Prints & Kente

These vibrant, often stiff textiles also require some special care to maintain their beauty and soften their feel.

• How to Soften the Fabric: New African wax prints can be quite stiff due to the wax used in the printing process. To soften them, you can soak the fabric in a basin of cold water with a cup of salt for several hours, or even overnight, before the first wash.

• Machine Washing Safely: Unlike mudcloth, many modern wax prints and Kente cloths can be machine washed. However, you must take precautions. Wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. To be extra safe, place them in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from snagging. As with all natural textiles, hang to dry.

 

Conclusion: Honoring the Hands That Made It

By taking the time to properly care for these beautiful cleaning African textiles, you are doing more than just maintaining an object. You are honoring the skill, tradition, and the very hands of the artisan who created it. This mindful approach to care ensures that their story, woven into the fabric, will continue to be a part of your story for a lifetime.

Shop our collection of authentic textiles with confidence, knowing you have the knowledge to care for them beautifully.