African traditional wear requires careful handling in order to preserve the quality and life of the fabrics. Many African outfits come with heavy embroideries, often hand crafted, that require careful handling and care.Because these clothes are not everyday clothes, they do not require frequent care. On average, you only need to clean/wash your African garment once every three to four wearings.
African traditional wear requires careful handling in order to preserve the quality and life of the fabrics. Many African outfits come with heavy embroideries, often hand crafted, that require careful handling and care.
Because these clothes are not everyday clothes, they do not require frequent care. On average, you only need to clean/wash your African garment once every three to four wearings.
Airing them out in a sunny and well-ventilated place can be all you need at times. However, if it has gone beyond the above remedy, the tips below can be helpful.
The first thing that you must consider when you think of cleaning the African fabrics is ‘hand-wash’! Soak your clothes in vinegar for about 30 minutes, and then wash normally.
Avoid spraying perfume directly on your clothing; spray it onto your skin instead. The more elaborate fabrics like Laces and wax prints with embroidery require special attention whereas regular prints that are mostly 100% cotton can be handled with as much care as any other cotton-made clothing.
Though cotton is machine washable, I strongly discourage you from machine washing your African clothes for whatever reason. Unless you find a knowledgeable dry-cleaner, the best practice is to hand-wash them with mild soap and hang them to dry.