Cotton is forgiving to wash and easy to ruin. Three habits cover almost everything.

Cold water, gentle cycle

Hot water is what shrinks cotton and dulls a print. Cold water with a mild detergent — no bleach on coloured pieces, and no fabric softener on waffle weave, which stiffens it.

The first three washes

Natural and reactive dyes release colour early. Wash a new dohar or throw separately for the first two or three washes, and do not leave it soaking; migrating dye is what marks a pale piece.

Dry in shade

Direct afternoon sun fades indigo and madder faster than washing does. Line dry inside out, and never wring a handwoven piece — press the water out instead.

Shrinkage

Expect 2–4% on the first wash for pure cotton. The finished size on our pages is the pre-wash size, which is why we do not round it up.

Storing through the monsoon

Fold loosely, keep a silica sachet in the stack, and avoid airtight plastic. Trapped humidity is what causes mildew spots on stored cotton.