How to care block printed home linen, is a method to take care of your home linen in a systematic way to last long. In hand block printing wherein the complete process is done by hand. From carving wooden blocks into intricate designs to mixing colors into desired shades, and making them into a finished product. The whole process is so beautiful, yet lengthy and involves a lot of human labour.
Since these products are not machine-made and are done by hand by the artisans, paying fair wages to these artisans plays a vital role in making these beautiful prints, in order to keep this art alive.
Yes, that’s why block-printed products are a bit expensive compared to screen prints and machine prints, as it involves a lot of human labour.
When you invest in a hand-block printed product you are not only encouraging this art but also encouraging the artisans and possibly, their future generations, to continue this art and keep it alive.
Of course, when you own a block-printed product, you want to care for them so that they last for many years to come. Maintaining a hand-block printed fabric looks like a tall task but it actually is not. There are a few dos and don’ts, which if followed, will ensure a long life for your block-printed fabric products.
Table of Contents
Basic things to keep in consideration for Hand Block Print…
Bedsheets, cushion covers, throws, summer blankets, tablecloths
Avoid washing the fabric frequently as far as possible.
For e.g., if you have spilled coffee on your block-printed bedsheet after just a few days of use, instead of washing the sheet, you can do a spot hand wash. This not only saves your sheets from premature damage but also promotes a sustainable way of living by conserving water.
When you need to wash your sheet, do so in the washing machine using a mild/non-chemical detergent. Wash in cold water or 30-degree temperature water at max. Do not tumble dry.
If any block prints are done in silver or gold colors, then never use a brush to clean them as brushing can spoil the printed motifs.
If the block printed fabrics are premium fabrics like silk, dry cleaning is preferred.
Dry in shade, hanging the sheet inside out, as harsh sunlight can make the colors fade quickly.
We also suggest you iron your block-printed sheets/fabrics inside out. This not only adds life to the fabric but also ensures the fabric looks fresh and crisp at all times.
Quilted Blankets/ Quilts
You can machine wash your quilts on delicate settings in your washing machine or hand wash them.
Do not soak them in water.
Do not bleach.
For delicate quilts with embroidery or beads work or threadwork, it is always preferred to hand wash them or dry clean them.
Check whether the filling in your quilts is washable or not. Sometimes quilts with cotton fillings cannot be washed as the filling tends to get cluttered in corners leading to your quilts getting spoiled.
Do air out the quilt on a sunny day but not directly under the sun.
Always lay to quilts flat while drying and do not tumble dry.
Different fabrics need to be cared for and managed differently. Always read the washing instructions mentioned on the packaging.
Do not store quilts in plastic bags or in wooden boxes as they are mostly made of cotton which is a breathable fabric and needs air. Storing in plastic bags or wooden boxes might also invite bugs that can spoil your valuable fabrics.
Bonus Tips
How to Remove Stains from your Home Linens
Spilled food on your beautiful table mats/tablecloth? Worry not, as you can get rid of these stains by following a few simple home remedies.
Treat the stain as early as possible before the oil is absorbed by the fabric.
Remove the spilled food immediately with tissue paper or a cleaning cloth. Ensure you do not spread the stain while removing the food.
Place a piece of paper below the fabric so that you don’t spoil the surface below.
Use tissue paper to soak as much oil as possible before applying anything else.
Then, use talcum powder, which is very easily available at home, by sprinkling a generous amount on the stain. Let it sit for a few hours.
Dust it with a brush after some hours.
You can then either spot-wash the area or wash the fabric in a washing machine.
How to maintain Bright White Sheets
Soak your white sheets in liquid bleach (3 cups liquid bleach in ½ liter of water) for around 20-25 minutes.
After soaking, put them in the washing machine. Add ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of white vinegar to the machine tub.
Run the washing machine on a hot washing cycle (60 Degrees) and tadaaaaa…… your white sheets are super bright and white.
Note: Ensure you use these tips for your plain white sheets. In case you have white sheets with prints and other colours on them, the bleaching process can cause the color to bleed or fade away.
Storing your Quilts and Bedsheets
We all have a few special bedding collections which we use during special festivals/ occasions or during specific seasons. Not only is it important to wash them with care, but also to store them properly when not in use, to increase their shelf life as well keep them bright as new.
Always store these fabrics in cloth bags, preferably cotton bags. A quick DIY method to make bags is to use your old pillowcases or bed sheets. Believe in the power of reimagining, recreating, and restoring!
You can alternatively use small cloth pouches. Take a few clove buds and throw them in along with your quilts or delicate bedsheets in small pouches. This will help in keeping away bugs and insects and keep the bad smell away when stored for long durations of time.
If you like this article you would be interested to learn more about the block printing art of Jaipur India read here
Great Information set . Love to read further information’s about how to care your home linen in future
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works of art.