Caring for your Block Printed Cotton - Making your investment last.

Block-printed cotton textiles are made to be loved and lived with for years. With proper care, your Mooch pieces will retain their vibrant colours and soft texture, becoming treasured heirlooms that only grow more beautiful with time. Here's everything you need to know about caring for your hand-printed products.

Understanding Block-Printed Cotton

Unlike mass-produced textiles, hand-printed cotton is created using natural dyes and traditional block-printing techniques. This means each piece requires a bit more attention than factory-made fabrics, but the care process is simple once you understand the basics.

The natural dyes used by our Jaipur artisans are colour-fast when properly cared for, but they do benefit from gentle treatment, especially during the first few washes.

First Wash: Setting the Colour

When you first receive your Mooch textiles, we recommend washing them separately before use. This initial wash helps set the natural dyes and removes any excess colour.

• Wash in cold water (30°C or below)
• Use a gentle, colour-safe detergent
• Wash dark and light colours separately
• Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals

You may notice a small amount of colour release during the first wash - this is completely normal with hand-printed textiles and doesn't affect the longevity of the print.

Ongoing Care

Washing:

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water
• Turn items inside out to protect the printed surface
• Wash with similar colours
• Use a mild, eco-friendly detergent
• Avoid fabric softeners, which can dull natural fibres over time

Drying:

• Line dry whenever possible—sunlight naturally brightens cotton
• Shake out items before drying to reduce wrinkles

Ironing:

• Iron while slightly damp for best results
• Use a medium-hot iron
• Iron on the reverse side to protect the print

Storage Tips

When storing your Mooch textiles between seasons:

• Ensure items are completely clean and dry before storing
• Fold loosely and store in a cool, dry place
• Avoid plastic bags—use cotton storage bags or pillowcases instead
• Add lavender sachets to keep fabrics fresh and deter moths

Special Care for Quilted Items

Our quilted bedspreads, bags, and accessories require slightly different care:

• Spot clean when possible to extend time between washes
• When washing, use a large-capacity machine to avoid crushing the quilting
• Dry flat or hung over a line
• Reshape gently while damp if needed
• Can be dry cleaned

Stain Removal

For spills and stains:

• Act quickly - blot (don't rub) fresh stains immediately
• Use cold water and a gentle stain remover
• Test any stain treatment on an inconspicuous area first
• For stubborn stains, soak in cold water with a gentle detergent before washing
• Avoid hot water, which can set stains

The Beauty of Ageing

Block-printed cotton develops character over time. The colours may soften slightly, and the fabric will become even softer with each wash. This gentle fading is part of the charm of natural textiles - it's a sign that your pieces are well-loved and well-used.

The slight variations in colour and print that make each piece unique will remain, ensuring your Mooch homeware always tells its story. Made in small batches using carefully chosen cotton, each of our pieces is created with longevity and comfort in mind. Cotton is a natural fibre that softens with wear and becomes more familiar with every wash. 

Sustainable Care

Caring for your hand-printed textiles sustainably extends their life and reduces environmental impact:

• Wash only when necessary - airing items between uses often suffices
• Use cold water to save energy
• Line dry
• Choose eco-friendly, biodegradable detergents
• Repair small tears or loose threads promptly to prevent further damage

Questions?

If you have specific questions about caring for your Mooch pieces, we're always happy to help. Each item in our collection is designed to last, and with proper care, your block-printed textiles will bring beauty to your home for many years to come.

Explore our full collection of block-printed homeware and sleepwear and discover pieces made to be treasured.