Garment Care Guide
Learn how to care for your sustainable garments to extend their life and minimize environmental impact.
Why Proper Care Matters
The way you care for your clothes has a significant impact on both their lifespan and the environment. By following our care guidelines, you can:
- •Extend the life of your garments by up to 3 times
- •Preserve the natural dyes and handcrafted details
- •Reduce water and energy consumption
- •Minimize microplastic pollution
- •Honor the craftsmanship that went into creating your piece
Our garments are made with natural materials and traditional techniques that require different care than conventional fast fashion. A little extra attention will ensure your Ydakaari pieces remain beautiful for years to come.
Care By Material
Organic Cotton
Washing
Hand wash or machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Turn inside out before washing. Use mild, eco-friendly detergent without bleach or optical brighteners.
Drying
Lay flat to dry in shade. Avoid direct sunlight which can fade natural dyes. Do not tumble dry as this can shrink the fabric and cause unnecessary wear.
Ironing
Iron on medium heat if necessary. Iron inside out to protect prints or embroidery. Steam ironing works well for cotton.
Special Care
Cotton becomes softer with wear and washing. Natural variations in handwoven cotton are part of its character and charm.
Khadi
Washing
Hand wash in cold water with minimal agitation. Khadi is delicate due to its handspun nature. Use very mild detergent and avoid soaking for long periods.
Drying
Lay flat to dry in shade. Reshape while damp. Never wring or twist khadi as it can damage the handspun fibers.
Ironing
Iron while slightly damp on medium heat. Use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric. Avoid ironing over embellishments.
Special Care
Khadi has natural slubs and variations that are characteristic of handspun yarn. These are not defects but signs of authentic craftsmanship.
Block Printed Fabrics
Washing
Hand wash gently in cold water. Avoid rubbing or wringing. Use mild detergent free of bleach. Wash separately for the first few washes as colors may bleed slightly.
Drying
Dry in shade away from direct sunlight to preserve the natural dyes. Lay flat or hang to dry.
Ironing
Iron on low to medium heat from the reverse side to protect the prints. Avoid steam which can affect the natural dyes.
Special Care
Natural dyes may fade slightly over time, giving the fabric a beautiful lived-in look. Small variations in print are the hallmark of handcrafted block printing.
Handloom Silk
Washing
Dry clean recommended. If hand washing, use cold water and specialized silk detergent. Gently swish—don't rub, wring or twist.
Drying
Roll in a clean towel to remove excess water. Lay flat to dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Reshape while damp.
Ironing
Iron on low heat when slightly damp. Use a pressing cloth between the iron and silk. Always iron on the reverse side.
Special Care
Store silk items folded with acid-free tissue paper. Avoid hanging silk garments as this can stretch the fabric over time.
General Care Tips
- 1.Wash less often: Most garments don't need to be washed after every wear. Air them out between wears to refresh.
- 2.Spot clean when possible: For small stains, try spot cleaning instead of washing the entire garment.
- 3.Use eco-friendly detergents: Choose mild, biodegradable detergents without optical brighteners or strong fragrances.
- 4.Avoid direct sunlight when drying: This helps preserve natural dyes and prevents fading.
- 5.Store properly: Hang structured items and fold knits. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- 6.Embrace natural aging: Natural materials develop character over time. Small variations in color or texture are part of the beauty of sustainable fashion.
Natural Stain Removal
For sustainable stain removal, try these natural remedies before resorting to harsh chemicals:
Food & Oil Stains
Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to the stain, let dry completely, then brush off and wash normally.
For oil stains, you can also try sprinkling cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the oil before treating.
Tea & Coffee
Rinse with cold water from the back of the stain. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply to stain, then rinse and wash normally.
Act quickly—these stains set faster on natural fibers.
Grass & Plant-Based
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Soak the stained area for 30 minutes, then wash normally.
For stubborn stains, you can add a small amount of lemon juice to the mixture.
Sweat & Deodorant
Create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to the stain, let sit for 30 minutes, then wash normally.
For yellowing, try soaking in a solution of lemon juice and water before washing.
Ink
Dab the stain with milk or plain yogurt. Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and wash normally.
Test on an inconspicuous area first, especially with natural dyes.
Red Wine
Immediately blot (don't rub) with a clean cloth. Cover with salt to absorb, then rinse with cold water and wash normally.
For dried stains, try soaking in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap (1:1 ratio).
Our Repair Service
We believe in extending the life of our garments. If your Ydakaari piece needs repair, we offer a mending service to help restore it to its former glory.
Contact Us for RepairsThe Environmental Impact of Garment Care
of the environmental impact of clothing comes from washing and drying during its lifetime
of the carbon footprint of a garment can be reduced by washing in cold water
longer a garment will last with proper care, reducing the need for new purchases