If looked after properly African Print Fabrics (or Ankara) clothing can last for many years if the fabric is of high quality and is original.
Owing to the fact that people sometimes wonder how to care for their African print fabrics, we thought it would be helpful to share with you the best ways to care for your African print fabrics or clothing so that you get your monies’ worth!
Now that you’ve acquired and rocked your vibrant African print garment and received so many compliments, you’re wondering “how do I properly wash and care for the fabric?”
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While it may seem challenging, there are certain steps you can take to ensure your garments remain in the same fabulous condition in which you first received them. Here are some general tips you can follow
Test the colourfastness
Separate colours from whites. If you would like to mix your African fabrics with others, test the colourfastness of the fabrics.
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Pick the Right Temperature & Detergent
The safest and best way to care for your African print fabrics is to hand wash them in cold or lukewarm water. If you have to use a washing machine, wash in cold water on the gentle cycle and skip the spin cycle.
- Turn the clothing inside out when washing in the machine
- Use mild washing powder
- Use a gentle machine setting such as ‘hand wash’ to avoid the spin cycle
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Dry Your garments properly
Hang the garments to dry or lay them down. Wringing or twisting them to dry will only compromise the rich colours of the fabric and cause them to fade quickly.
- Tumble drying is a no-no!
- Line dry out of direct sunlight
Set the Iron on the Ideal Heat
Since most African print fabrics are made of cotton, the setting for cotton on your iron is appropriate. However, look out for attachments made of linen and other more delicate fabrics which may require a lower setting.
- Iron inside out using the cotton setting
- Watch out for material combinations and set iron accordingly
- Always iron the garment on the inside
Hand Washing vs Dry Cleaning
Stains are unfortunately unavoidable. When removing stains while hand washing, never use bleach or anything as harsh. Instead, try using something gentler on fabrics like baking soda.
- Machine (or hand wash) cold with similar colours. We recommend 30 degrees or a cold wash setting if using a machine.
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If you are going to get your garments professionally cleaned then make sure the establishment has experience with African print fabrics. Whichever method you choose, hand washing or dry cleaning, we hope these tips will help keep your pieces vibrant!
General Tips
Dos
- Hand wash in cold or lukewarm water
- Separate colours from whites
- Use mild detergent
- Hang to dry
- Wash with salt
- Use Vinegar for tough stains
- Iron on the inside (the wrong side) using the setting for cotton, or use cooler settings.
Donts
- Wash in the washing machine or tumble dry – the fabrics are delicate
- Bleach
- Wring or twist dry
- Use excessive heat that will destroy the fabric
- Don’t wash with hot water
- Don’t wash frequently: Wash only when necessary.
#Tip: The fabrics can sometimes be stiff when you first get them, but they will soften with wear and washings.
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