How to Care for Your Handwoven Khes: Washing, Storing, and Maintenance Tips

A handwoven Khes is built to last — but like all fine textiles, it rewards attentive care. The good news: caring for your Khes is straightforward once you understand what the fabric needs. Follow these guidelines and your Khes will soften beautifully with age, growing more characterful with every wash.

Washing Your Khes

First wash: Before use, wash your Khes separately in cold water. Handwoven textiles may release a small amount of excess dye in the first wash — this is normal and will not affect the final colour.

Ongoing washing:

• Hand wash preferred. Use cool or lukewarm water with a mild, pH-neutral detergent. Avoid harsh detergents or bleach, which can weaken natural fibres and strip colour.
• Machine wash (if needed). Use a gentle or delicate cycle, cold water, and place the Khes inside a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction.
• Do not wring. Wringing distorts the weave structure. Instead, gently press out excess water and lay flat or hang to dry.

For woollen Khes: Hand wash only, using a wool-specific detergent. Avoid soaking for extended periods.

Drying

• Dry in shade, away from direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure can fade natural dyes and weaken cotton fibres over time.
• Lay flat on a clean surface or drape over a wide rack to maintain shape. Avoid hanging from a single point, which can stretch the fabric unevenly.
• Do not tumble dry. The heat and agitation of a dryer can cause shrinkage and distort the double-weave structure.

Ironing

• Iron on a medium heat setting while the fabric is slightly damp for best results.
• For cotton Khes, iron on the reverse side to preserve the surface texture.
• For woollen Khes, use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric, and avoid steam directly on the surface.

Storing Your Khes

• Fold loosely and store in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
• Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and can cause mildew. Use a breathable cotton storage bag instead.
• For long-term storage, refold periodically along different lines to prevent permanent crease marks.
• Add a cedar block or dried lavender to deter moths — particularly important for woollen Khes.

A Note on Ageing

Handwoven Khes softens and improves with use. The slight stiffness of a new piece gives way to a supple drape after a few washes. Minor pilling on woollen Khes is natural and can be gently removed with a fabric comb. These are not signs of wear — they are signs of a living textile.