Fabric Care
Caring for your Tamaksh products is generally hassle free. In case of handlooms and handcrafted products, the creation is a lengthy process rooted in the crafts-based traditions with its own regional speciality and character. The unique feature of handloom fabric is the involvement of hand processes at every stage in production. The soft feel of handloom fabric, which every loyal user of handlooms will swear by, is due to handling of the yarn by artisans, which causes less stress on the yarn. The other dimension of the hand process however is the variation and irregularities in the fabric, motifs and colours which are not necessarily ‘defects’ but are integral to and is a hallmark of handcrafted products.
Most of Tamaksh’s clothing is cotton. Handwoven cotton fabric has the added value of allowing more air penetration and is therefore cooler, softer, more absorbent and breathable. Taking care of your clothes will keep them looking good and fresh for a longer period of time. Please note that it is always advisable to give the products to dry-clean. However we are offering GENERAL FABRIC CARE information and suggestions that will help you prolong the life of the products.
FABRIC CARE FOR COTTONS
Sorting : Sort all the clothes colour-wise. Wash only similar coloured garments together. Always ensure that you wash dark coloured clothes separately to avoid any remote chances of staining other garments.
Soaking : Put a small quantity of mild detergent in a half-filled bucket of moderate cold water. Soak the garment in the soapy solution for five minutes. Do not soak for a longer duration. Pre-soaked garments must be washed immediately.
Salt Soaking : Put a generous quantity of salt in a half-filled bucket of moderate cold water. Soak the garment in the salt solution for thirty minutes. The alternative to salt soaking is, to stir alum (approximately 100-150 times) in a half-filled bucket of moderate cold water and to soak the garment in this alum stirred water for ten minutes. Do not soak for a longer duration. This will ensure that any extra colour that could not be absorbed by the fabric bleeds out while locking the actual colour of the fabric. If you notice the water is changing colour, do not panic. It is just the additional colour that in any case cannot be absorbed by the fabric. This will prevent the garment from bleeding colour during subsequent wash.
Note : Either salt soaking or alum soaking is advisable. Do not combine both the procedures.
Washing : Wash the garments gently, by hand with mild detergent in moderate cold water. Do not put them in a washing machine or dryer. Cold machine wash is ideal for later use.
Note : Wash the garments only when necessary. Airing it will keep them fresh for use, a couple of times.
Rinsing : The soiled areas can be rubbed gently by hand. Do not use solid bar of soap or a brush. Rinse the garment a few times in cold water to remove the detergent completely. Rub the dirty areas gently with hand.
Starching : A final dip in a diluted solution of liquid starch will render a crisp finish to the garment. Do not wring too much.
Drying : Do not wring it hard. Allow the excess water to drain off by hanging the garment lightly. Drying clothes under the sun causes colour fading. Hang to drip dry the clothes in well ventilated evening settings or shade on rustproof hangers. It is advisable to dry the garments inside out.
Ironing : Do not iron directly on block-prints, patches, embroidery, etc. Such clothes should be turned inside out and ironed lightly. Iron your cottons when still damp. Spray water to dampen the fabric if completely dry.
Storage : Store your clothes in a cool, dry, place protected from sunlight. Keep whites and light coloured garments away from the darker coloured ones. Store the garments in a dark and dry cupboard which is devoid of any moisture. Use aromatic sachets to dispel cupboard odours. Store silks in cloth covers.
Shrinkage : Certain fabrics are prone to moderate shrinkage on the first wash. Expect up to 5-10% shrinkage with time depending upon how you care for the garment.
FABRIC CARE FOR SILK BROCADES
Sorting : Sort all the clothes colour-wise.
Washing : Dry clean only.
Ironing : Do not iron directly on the print.
Storage : Store the clothes in a cool, dry place protected from sunlight. Use aromatic sachets to dispel cupboard odours. Store silks in cloth covers.
FABRIC CARE FOR HAND EMBROIDERY
Sorting : Sort all the clothes colour-wise.
Washing : Dry clean only.
Ironing : Do not iron directly on the embroidery.
Storage : Store the clothes in a cool, dry place protected from sunlight. Use aromatic sachets to dispel cupboard odours.