How to Care for Your Gul Piece

Hand-block-printed and naturally dyed pieces are alive. They soften with wear and age beautifully - if you treat them right.

The First Wash

The first wash sets the tone for everything that follows. Please don't skip these steps:

  1. Fill a basin with cold water. Never warm, never hot.
  2. Add a small amount of mild, pH-neutral soap - or a teaspoon of white vinegar, which helps set natural dyes.
  3. Submerge the piece gently and swish slowly. Do not scrub, twist, or rub.
  4. Let it soak for no more than 10 minutes.
  5. Rinse thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear.
  6. Do not wring. Press the water out gently by folding the fabric and applying light pressure.
  7. Dry flat in shade, or hang in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sun.

General Care

Washing: Always hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent. Machine washing - even on delicate - is too harsh for hand-block-printed fabric. The friction breaks down the dye over time.

Drying: Dry in shade. Always. Direct sunlight is the single biggest cause of colour fading in naturally dyed textiles. A breezy indoor rack or a shaded outdoor line is ideal.

Storing: Fold loosely and store in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, natural fabrics need to breathe. A cotton muslin bag or a clean pillowcase works beautifully. If storing long-term, refold every few months to avoid permanent crease lines.

Ironing: Iron on medium heat while slightly damp, on the reverse side of the fabric. This protects the print surface and keeps colours bright.

What to Expect

Natural dyes behave differently from synthetic ones - and that is exactly the point.

  • A small amount of indigo may bleed in the first 1–2 washes. This is completely normal and stops on its own. Wash separately the first time if you're cautious.
  • Slight shrinkage (2–3%) on the first wash is normal for handloom cotton. We account for this in our sizing.
  • Over time, naturally dyed pieces develop a patina - colours soften and deepen in a way that synthetic dyes never do. This is not fading. This is ageing. It is beautiful.

What Not to Do

  • 🚫 Do not bleach - it will destroy both the fabric and the dye permanently
  • 🚫 Do not wring - wringing distorts the weave and cracks the print
  • 🚫 Do not dry in direct sunlight, natural dyes are photosensitive; UV light fades them faster than anything else
  • 🚫 Do not dry-clean unless we've specifically noted it on the product page, the solvents used in dry cleaning are incompatible with natural dyes
  • 🚫 Do not use fabric softener - it coats the fibres and dulls the colour over time

Questions?

If you're unsure about anything, a specific piece, a stain, a storage question- just ask us directly.

WhatsApp us on +917217649223,  we answer same-day.

These pieces were made slowly, by hand, with care. A little attention in the wash goes a long way toward keeping them with you for years.