Hand block-printed textiles are the result of exquisite craftsmanship and deserve gentle, thoughtful care. In this blog post, we share our best tips for removing stains and preserving the beauty of your hand-printed pieces. By following these washing instructions, your textiles will stay lovely for years to come.
How to Care for Hand Block-Printed Textiles
Remove stains as quickly as possible by spot-cleaning them, and try to use your washing machine only when necessary. When machine washing is needed, choose a short and gentle program suitable for silk or wool. Wash tablecloths at 30°C and napkins or kitchen towels at 40°C. The length of the program is important, since hand-printed colours should not be soaked in water for long periods of time.
Use a gentle, bleach-free detergent designed for wool or silk. If your textile features gold or silver print, wash each tablecloth separately. A full machine may cause friction, which can make the metallic print rub off.
Hang your textiles to dry in the shade or place them in a drying cabinet. Always store them in a dry area, away from direct sunlight. We do not recommend using a tumble dryer.
How to Remove Water-Based Stains (for example, Red Wine)
The key is to act quickly. If the stain dries into the fabric, it becomes harder to remove. Dab the stain with water as soon as possible to prevent it from setting. You can do this during the dinner party if needed. Continue the treatment after the meal.
You may use a small amount of stain remover, such as Vanish. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Make sure to remove all of the stain remover, as any residue left on the fabric may bleach the colours. If the stain remains, wash the tablecloth in the machine using a short silk or wool cycle.
How to Remove Greasy Stains
Mix a small amount of dishwashing liquid with warm water, then gently rub it into the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water to remove the soap. If needed, wash the textile in the machine according to the instructions above.
If you have any questions about caring for your Chamois textiles, feel free to reach out to us at webshop@chamois.se. We use our own textiles every day and are happy to share what we’ve learned about keeping them beautiful.
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