Fabric Care
Fabric Care
Caring for your hand-dyed fabric
Your fabric was made by hand in Accra. Here is everything you need to keep it looking exactly as it did on the day you bought it.
First, understand what you have
This fabric is not like any in your wardrobe
Hand-dyed fabric is dyed using fibre-reactive dyes that bond directly to the fabric at a molecular level. The colour is in the fabric, not sitting on top of it. Done well, it is remarkably colourfast.
The first few washes will always release a little excess dye. This is completely normal. It is not the fabric losing colour. Think of it like a new pair of dark jeans. The first wash looks alarming, and then everything settles. After two or three washes, the colour stabilises and you will have very little transfer going forward.
The Rules
Caring for your hand-dyed fabric
Washing
Cold always. Heat opens fibres and releases dye.
Wash alone or with similar colours only.
Turn inside out before washing every time.
Always the safest option. Mild liquid detergent, cool water.
Delicate or hand-wash cycle at 30C maximum.
Mild, pH-neutral, liquid only. No biological powder. No bleach.
Never soak for extended periods.
Rinsing and Drying
Rinse in cold water until the water runs completely clear.
Never wring. Press water out gently or roll in a dry towel.
Always the best option. Lay flat or hang on a line.
Never dry in direct sunlight. UV light fades dye quickly.
Avoid. If necessary, use the lowest heat and remove while damp.
Do not hang heavy wet fabric from a single point as it will stretch.
Ironing
Always iron on the reverse side, never the face.
Medium only. Cotton handles more heat than rayon or chiffon.
Use a clean damp cotton cloth if ironing the face side directly.
Never iron damp fabric as dye can transfer to the ironing board.
Storage
Fold uncut fabric for storage. Do not hang long-term.
Store away from direct sunlight and windows.
Store away from perfume and body spray. Alcohol lifts dye permanently.
Wrap in acid-free tissue paper to protect from humidity.
Special Case
Indigo Needs Extra Attention
Unlike most dyes, indigo sits on the surface of the fibre rather than fully penetrating it. This is why indigo denim fades so beautifully over time, and why your indigo Tampoori piece will bleed more than anything else in your wardrobe, especially in the first few washes.
Deep, saturated indigo will bleed more than a lighter piece. This settles significantly after two or three washes. The colour will evolve gently over time. This is not fading. It is the fabric ageing the way it was made to age.
Before the first wear: Wash your indigo piece alone in cold water. You will see blue in the water. This is expected. Rinse until the water runs clear. Always wash alone or with deep colours only. Even after the first few washes, indigo can transfer onto lighter fabrics.
The Rules
The Cheat Sheet
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | Cold always |
| First wash | Alone or with similar colours |
| Detergent | Mild, pH-neutral, liquid |
| Machine wash | Delicate cycle, 30C max |
| Hand wash | Yes, always the safest |
| Tumble dry | Avoid. Air dry in shade. |
| Direct sunlight | Never. Will fade colour. |
| Iron | Yes. Reverse side, medium heat. |
| Wring | Never. Press gently instead. |
| Perfume contact | Avoid. Can lift dye permanently. |
Still have questions?
Send us a message on WhatsApp or pop into the Spintex or Labonue studio. Our team knows these fabrics inside out.