Moneycontrol 7 Jun, 2026
Handloom care guide: 6 expert wash tips to keep Paithani, Bandhani and Ikat fabrics in good condition for years
India’s handlooms are not just garments, but living heirlooms stitched with memory, craft and regional pride. From Paithani and Bandhani to Ikat and silk weaves, these textiles demand patience rather than pressure. Expert shared 6 practical wash and care tips to help preserve their colour, texture and longevity. Read on to know. Expert said for proper handloom care, sorting the fabrics correctly is always the first step.
Handloom is fabric woven by hand on traditional looms without machines. Fabrics like paithani, bandhani, silk, and ikat need extra care because their natural dyes, delicate threads, and intricate weaves can easily fade, tear, or lose shape if washed harshly. However, in the modern day rush these delicate fabrics often meet harsh detergents, fast spins, and fading sunlight.
Gentle handling helps preserve the beauty and tradition of handloom. Speaking to Moneycontrol, Maneesh Sharma, Head of Washing Machines, Appliances Business, Godrej Enterprises Group, shared a set of simple, fabric-friendly wash practices. He said, “Handlooms need to be treated with understanding first, because every weave carries its own story and sensitivity.”
Sharma added that preservation begins before the wash cycle even starts. He emphasised that sorting the fabrics correctly is always the first step. He said, “Pieces like Paithani, Bandhani, Ikat, and silk behave differently depending on dye and weave density. Therefore they need a certain care.”
As technology meets tradition, caring for handlooms is no longer an intimidating ritual. “It instead ensures that your favourite clothing continues to live not just in cupboards, but in celebrations, festivals and everyday pride,” Sharma said and shared a few tips to help you maintain your handloom better. They are listed below.
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