How to Wash Natural Fabrics Without Ruining Them – Expert Tips

May 14, 2025

Education

How to Wash Natural Fabrics Without Ruining Them – Expert Tips

Introduction: Why Natural Fabric Care Matters

Washing natural fabrics isn’t just laundry—it’s love. Whether it's khadi cotton, banana fabric, or peace silk, each piece holds artisan craftsmanship, plant-based color, and delicate texture. The right wash routine honors that beauty while helping your garments last longer.

Ready to rethink how you wash your wardrobe? Let’s go!

Know Your Fabric Before You Wash

Every fabric is unique—and so is its care routine. Here’s your go-to table for washing natural fabrics the right way:

Fabric	Wash Method	Water Temperature	Drying	Ironing
Organic Cotton	Hand/Machine (gentle)	Cold to lukewarm	Air-dry in shade	Low to medium, inside out
Khadi Cotton	Hand-wash or gentle machine	Cold to lukewarm	Shade dry	Medium heat, inside out
Kala Cotton	Hand-wash or gentle cycle	Cold to lukewarm	Shade dry, no wringing	Medium heat, inside out
Mulmul (Muslin Cotton)	Hand-wash or gentle machine	Cold	Hang dry in shade	Medium iron, inside out
Linen	Gentle machine	Cold	Hang dry	Steam iron or iron while damp
Silks (Eri, Tussar, Mulberry)	Hand-wash only	Cold	Lay flat, shaded	Low heat with cloth barrier
Hemp, Jute, Banana, Bamboo, Nettle, Soy, Aloe	Hand-wash preferred	Cold	Flat or air-dry	Low-medium heat, iron inside out
Cupro, Tencel, Eucalyptus	Gentle machine or hand-wash	Cold	Hang or flat dry	Medium heat iron
Peace Silk, Tissue, Organza, Silk Habotai	Hand-wash only	Cold	Shade dry, lay flat	Low temp, always use a cloth on top

Special Note on Dyed Fabrics

Fabric Type	Wash Method	Drying	Ironing
Natural Vegetable-Dyed	Hand-wash separately	Shade dry	Inside out, medium heat
Azo-Free Dyed	Hand-wash initially	Shade dry	Iron on reverse side
Tie-Dyed (Natural Dyes)	Hand-wash first few times	Flat dry	Inside out, low heat

Pro Tip: Always test for color bleeding with a damp white cloth before the first wash.

Go Easy on Detergents

Say NO to harsh chemicals!
Say YES to gentle, eco-friendly options:
- Use pH-neutral detergents (pH 6–7)
- Recommended plant-based brands:
  - The Better Home laundry detergent
  - PureCult c-friendly laundry detergent
  - Rustic Art Organic Liquid Laundry Soap

Avoid

Bleach
SLS/SLES
Synthetic softeners

These damage plant fibers and fade natural dyes.

DIY Natural Cleaning Alternatives

(Traditional + Effective)

For Cotton:

Reetha Wash: Soak soapnuts overnight, boil, and use the strained liquid.
Fennel Water Rinse: Boil fennel seeds, cool the water, and use it in the final rinse.
Tulsi Water: Dab stains with water infused from boiled tulsi leaves.

For Silk:

Multani Mitti: Apply paste on stains, let it dry, and gently brush off.
Raw Milk Wash: Soak in diluted raw milk for 20–30 minutes, rinse with cold water.
Sandalwood Paste: Use on tough spots for gentle cleansing and a natural aroma.
Neem Leaf Storage: Insert dried neem leaves between folds to repel insects and moths.

Say No to Soaking

Avoid long soaking, especially for:

Indigo
Madder
Turmeric-dyed garments

Over-soaking causes:

Color leeching
Fiber weakening
Patchy fading

Rule of Thumb: Never soak overnight.

Drying Naturally, But Wisely

Always dry in the shade—sun = fading.
Use hangers for shirts, dresses, and soft fabrics.
Flat-dry delicate garments (like silks) over clean towels.
Never tumble dry silks, khadi, or handwoven pieces

Storage for Longevity

Fold heavier pieces (like handwoven jackets or silk coats).
Store in cotton or muslin bags—skip plastic.
Add herbal sachets of neem, lavender, or clove to:
- Repel insects naturally
- Keep clothes smelling fresh
Keep in a cool, dry, airy space