Your khadi garments are handspun, handwoven, and naturally dyed — they deserve care that matches their craftsmanship. Here’s everything you need to know to keep them soft, vibrant, and lasting for years.
💧 Why Khadi Needs Special Care
Unlike mass-produced fabrics, khadi is a living textile. Each piece is spun by hand on a charkha, woven on a handloom, and often dyed with plant-based colours. This means your khadi shirt or kurta carries the fingerprints of the artisan who made it — and it responds differently to washing, drying, and storage than your regular cotton tee.
The good news? Khadi is remarkably low-maintenance once you know the basics. And the more you wear and wash it, the softer it gets.
🧼 Washing Your Khadi: The Golden Rules
Hand Wash is Best (But Machine Wash Works Too)
- Hand wash in cold or lukewarm water (below 30°C)
- Use a mild, chemical-free detergent or just plain water — khadi doesn’t trap odours easily
- If using a machine, select gentle/delicate cycle with cold water
- Avoid bleach entirely — it damages natural fibres and strips plant-based dyes
Separate Dark and Light Colours
Naturally dyed khadi may release some colour in the first 2–3 washes. This is completely normal.
- Wash dark and light garments separately for the first few washes
- Adding a tablespoon of salt or white vinegar to the wash water helps set the colour
You Don’t Need to Wash After Every Wear
Khadi breathes so well that it doesn’t retain sweat or odours like synthetic fabrics. Unless visibly soiled, you can simply air out your khadi garment and rewear it 2–3 times before washing. Saves water, reduces wear, better for the planet. 🌍
🌤️ Drying: Shade is Your Friend
- Always dry in shade — direct sunlight can fade natural dyes over time
- Lay flat or hang on a cotton clothesline rather than using hangers (which can stretch shoulders)
- Never use a machine dryer — the heat can cause excessive shrinkage
- Use wooden or plastic pegs — metal pegs can leave marks
🔥 Ironing: Low Heat, Big Results
Khadi has a naturally textured, slightly rustic look — that’s part of its charm. But if you prefer a crisp finish:
- Iron on medium-low heat while still slightly damp
- Use a cotton pressing cloth between the iron and fabric
- Steam ironing works wonderfully and helps soften the fabric
- Iron on the reverse side to preserve prints or embroidery
✨ The First Few Washes: What to Expect
Shrinkage (3–5%)
Authentic handwoven khadi may shrink by 3–5% after the first wash. This is natural and a sign of genuine, unprocessed fabric. Tip: Buy slightly loose — after the first wash, it’ll settle into a perfect fit.
Stiffness to Softness
New khadi can feel stiff due to natural starch in the yarn. This disappears after 3–4 washes — each wash makes it softer. To speed this up, add a small amount of soda ash (washing soda). Avoid chemical fabric softeners — they reduce khadi’s moisture-absorbing properties.
Slight Colour Variation
Naturally dyed fabrics develop a beautiful patina over time. Colours may soften slightly, giving your garment a unique, lived-in character.
🗄️ Storing Your Khadi
- Fold neatly and store in a cool, dry place
- Use neem leaves or dried lavender instead of chemical mothballs
- For seasonal storage, wrap in muslin or cotton cloth (not plastic bags)
- Refold periodically to prevent permanent crease lines
✅ Quick Care Cheat Sheet
| Do ✅ | Don’t ❌ |
|---|---|
| Hand wash / gentle cycle | Hot water or bleach |
| Cold / lukewarm water | Machine dry |
| Dry in shade, flat | Direct sunlight for hours |
| Iron on medium-low | Iron on high heat directly |
| Air out between wears | Wash after every wear |
| Store with neem leaves | Plastic bags for storage |
| Add salt/vinegar for colour | Chemical fabric softeners |
Caring for khadi is simpler than most people think. The fabric is naturally durable, antimicrobial, and improves with age — it just asks for a little gentleness in return.
At Feel Khadi, every piece is handspun, handwoven, and naturally dyed with plants and flowers — chemical-free from thread to finish. Browse our collection at feelkhadi.com and experience the difference real khadi makes.
