Short answer: wash hand-block printed clothes separately in cold water with a mild detergent, turn them inside out, avoid bleach and harsh wringing, dry them in the shade, and iron on the reverse side. Always follow the care label on your own garment, as it overrides general advice.

How do you wash block printed clothes step by step?

1. Wash separately the first few times

Traditional dyes can release a little colour in early washes. Wash your new piece on its own, or with similar colours, until the water runs clear.

2. Use cold water and a mild detergent

Cold or lukewarm water is gentler on dyed cotton. Choose a mild, pH-neutral liquid detergent and skip bleach and optical whiteners.

3. Turn the garment inside out

This protects the printed surface from rubbing against other fabrics or the drum.

4. Hand wash or use a gentle cycle

Hand washing is best. If you use a machine, choose a delicate cycle with a low spin speed and a mesh laundry bag.

5. Do not soak for long

Rinse promptly. Long soaking, especially with other coloured clothes, increases the chance of colour transfer.

How should you dry and iron them?

Dry in the shade, away from harsh direct sunlight, which can fade dyes over time. Avoid the tumble dryer. Iron while the fabric is slightly damp, on the reverse side, at a temperature suitable for cotton.

What about ombre and hand-dyed pieces?

Hand-dipped ombre garments, like those in our Ombre collection, deserve extra care. Wash them gently by hand, on their own, and never twist or wring the fabric.

How do you store block printed clothes?

Fold or hang them in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Do not store them damp, and give each piece some breathing room so the print does not rub against other garments.

Frequently asked questions

Can I machine wash block printed clothes?

Yes, on a gentle cold cycle with the garment inside out and in a mesh bag, unless the care label says otherwise. Hand washing is the safest option.

Will block print colours run?

Some bleeding is possible in the first washes because of how the dyes are applied. Wash separately at first and rinse until the water is clear.

Is it normal for block print to fade slightly?

Gentle softening with time is normal for hand-printed cotton. Shade drying and mild detergent slow it down.

Can I dry clean block printed clothes?

It is usually not required for cotton pieces, but always check the care label on your garment.

Ready to add a new piece? Explore our block print dresses, co-ord sets and men's shirts, and learn how to tell real hand block print from screen print.