Caring for hand-printed Indian curtains and cushion covers ensures they stay vibrant and last for years. Indian fabrics, whether soft block-printed cotton or rich silk, are beautiful but need gentle treatment. By following fabric-specific washing tips and proper storage, you’ll protect colors and avoid issues like fading or mildew. In fact, every piece from Eyda Homes is “designed to live well. To last”, and our after-sales care guide helps you fulfill that promise. 

Regular cleaning removes dust and allergens (Tide India recommends washing curtains every 612 months in dusty areas and at least every 23 years otherwise ). In the sections below, we explain exactly how to wash your curtains and cushion covers by fabric type, how to handle block prints and natural dyes, and how to store them safely. The result? All your minimalist homes stay beautiful, and you’ll extend their life, a win-win for you and the artisan who made them. 

Why Fabric Care Matters

Curtains and cushions do more than decorate a room; they filter dust, light, and sometimes harsh sun. Over time, they collect dirt, cooking smoke, pet hair, and even skin oils. Cleaning them prevents permanent staining and fabric breakdown. For example, a Tide India guide notes that curtains trap dust and should be washed regularly. Similarly, colorful block-printed fabrics can bleed dyes if neglected, and fibers can weaken if mildew sets in. Proper care (light vacuuming or shaking out dust weekly, plus periodic washing) keeps fabrics fresh. Avoiding high heat and bleach preserves both natural and synthetic fibers. As Eyda Homes emphasizes, we handcraft each curtain and cushion cover “with care” and natural, durable materials. Following care instructions honors that craftsmanship, so your textiles stay rich, bright, and undamaged.

Washing Guidelines by Fabric Type

Different materials need different care. Below, we cover the main types of curtain and cushion fabrics, with tips on how to launder each. 

Cotton (plain or printed)

Cotton is sturdy and usually machine-washable. Use a gentle/delicate cycle with cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Always remove hooks or heavy hardware first (for instance, take off plastic curtain rings). Hang cotton curtains or covers to dry, never tumble dry on high heat, as cotton can shrink. Line-drying also preserves the fabric and prevents color fading. In short: machine wash gently, line dry, and use a low-heat iron if needed. Since cotton naturally shrinks, expect a bit of change in length after the first wash. To recover any lost length, you can iron cotton when damp (it relaxes the fibers). Many curtains even include extra hem allowance, so you can re-stitch the bottom if they have shortened. Remember: cold water and gentle spin are key.

Linen

Linen curtains or covers are elegant but can wrinkle easily. They can go in the washing machine and set it to a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Do not use hot water or bleach. After washing, shake out linen curtains and hang them to dry, smoothing by hand to avoid deep creases. It helps to iron linen while it’s still slightly damp. This restores the weave and keeps them crisp. Linen is more absorbent, so it takes moisture well, but prolonged soaking or wringing should be avoided to keep prints intact. If you have precious embroidered or handwoven linen (for example, jamdani or bagru prints), you may prefer professional dry cleaning. In any case, avoid bright sun when drying air-dry in shade for both cotton and linen to prevent sun-bleaching and color loss.

Silk, Velvet & Other Delicate Weaves

Delicate materials like silk, satin, velvet, or fine brocade (often used in Indian banarasi curtains or embroidered covers) generally should not be machine-washed. For these, the safest bet is professional dry cleaning. If you must hand-wash delicate curtains at home, use cold water and only a tiny amount of gentle detergent. Gently swish the fabric; do not rub or wring it. Rinse well, then press between towels to remove moisture. Always line-dry delicates on a shade line, never under direct sun. Never apply heat (steam or iron) until the fabric is fully dry, and use only low heat on the reverse side if ironing is needed. Remember: chiffon, organza, velvet, or silk will shrink and distort easily if treated harshly, so err on the side of gentle care. If the label says “Dry Clean Only,” follow that instruction to protect the fabric.

Synthetic Fabrics (Polyester, Nylon, Blends)

Many modern curtains are made of polyester or blended fibers, which resist wrinkles and stains. The good news is these are typically easy to wash, even though many polyester curtains can go in the machine. Use a cold-water, delicate cycle as with cotton. Turn the curtains inside-out if they have prints, and use a mild detergent. Avoid high heat in both washing and drying: a hot wash or dryer setting can damage synthetic fibers or cause any elastic trims to warp. After washing, either tumble dry on a low setting or, better yet, hang them up before they’re fully dry; this helps remove wrinkles and prevents excessive shrinkage. As a rule, check the care label: if it’s washable, a gentle machine wash is fine, but always skip the fabric softener or bleach on polyester (these can dull the color and break down fibers). 

Velvet & Heavy Draperies

Special mention for velvet or very heavy jacquard drapes: these usually require dry cleaning. The pile and weight of velvet can mat or crush in a machine. Spot clean minor stains with a gentle upholstery cleaner and vacuum the nap regularly. If they do go in the machine (only if the tag says it’s allowed), use cold water, delicate cycle, and dry flat or hang in shade to preserve texture.

Throughout all washing, a few universal tips: use color-safe, enzyme-free detergents (bleach and harsh stain removers can fade Indian dyes and weaken fibers). Do not overload the washer. If a curtain is too big, either cut it or hand-wash it in a tub. And once clean, remove items promptly from the machine, and hang them; leaving wet textiles in a heap can lead to mildew. 

Caring for Block-Print Fabrics and Natural Dyes

Many Indian curtains and covers feature beautiful hand block prints and natural dyes (like indigo, dabu, ajrakh, or vegetable dyes). These require extra gentleness to keep their colors bright. Yes, you can wash block-printed curtains, but follow special care steps. First, test or fix the color: soak new block-printed items in cold water with a couple of tablespoons of salt (and even a bit of white vinegar) for 2030 minutes. This “sets” the dyes. Then rinse. After this pre-wash fix, wash block-printed fabric alone or with very similar colors to avoid bleeding.

We recommend hand washing as the gentlest method. Use a clean sink or basin of cold or lukewarm water (never hot), and add a mild, pH-neutral detergent. Swirl the fabric gently with no scrubbing or twisting, which can smear the print. Rinse thoroughly in cold water until all soap is out. For machine washing (if absolutely necessary), use a cold, very gentle cycle and consider putting the item inside a mesh bag to protect it from agitation. Whether hand-washed or machine-washed, avoid fabric softener and bleach; these can dull natural dyes. Dry block prints flat or hanging in the shade. 

Never wring out block-printed fabric; instead, roll it in a towel to press out water. Direct sun will fade both the dye and fiber faster, so dry indoors or under a shaded veranda. After drying, iron on the reverse side while the fabric is still slightly damp. Use medium or low heat only, with a cloth between the iron and fabric, to avoid heat-bleeding the dyes. Overall, treat block-print and natural dyes like you would a delicate garment: cool wash, mild soap, minimal agitation, and thorough air drying. This approach preserves the vibrant reds, blues, and indigos of Indian prints. If you ever notice slight fading or bleeding, rest assured, it’s natural; many traditional block prints soften beautifully with time. And of course, never assume you can wash block prints with whites or lights; always wash them in a separate load or with darks of similar color.

 

Cushion Cover Washing Tips

Cushion covers see daily use and spills, so cleaning them often is key. Start by removing the cover from the pillow or cushion insert. Vacuum or shake off loose dust and crumbs from the cover before laundering. Check the care label: it may have a code (W, S, WS, X) indicating washability. If the label says “W” or “WS,” the cover can go in water (for “S” or “X,” stick to dry-clean or spot clean). For machine-washable covers (like many cotton or linen ones): zip them closed and turn them inside-out to protect the front. 

Use a gentle liquid detergent (non-bleach) and set the machine to a delicate, cold-water cycle. It’s smart to wash cushion covers alone or with similar colors, as Nolan Interiors notes; never mix whites with darks or bold prints in the same load. Gentle agitation helps, but don’t be tempted to overload the drum. After the cycle finishes, remove covers promptly. 

Drying

Aim to air-dry covers to avoid shrinkage. Spread them out or hang them on a line in the shade. If you must use a dryer, tumble on the lowest heat and check frequently. It’s fine if the covers are slightly damp when you put the cushion back on. In fact, some experts suggest reassembling the cushion when the cover is still a bit wet to help it fit snugly. If a cover has any embellishments (beads, mirrors), dry them flat to avoid pulling or damage. 

Stains

Treat spills quickly. Blot (don’t rub) fresh stains with a clean cloth, then hand-wash the spot with mild detergent or a fabric stain remover. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, even on whites. For tough or set-in stains on delicate covers, consider a professional cleaner. For non-removable cushion covers (some sofa cushions), the approach is spot cleaning only: vacuum well, then use a mild soap-and-water solution on a cloth to blot stains. Rinse by dabbing with a damp cloth, then let the cushions air-dry thoroughly. Never soak the foam or use too much water, as that can mold or damage the cushion. Finally, remember cushion covers often come as pairs or sets. If one cover is dirty, try to clean all matching covers together so their colors fade evenly. This keeps the entire set looking uniform.

Storage Tips to Prevent Mildew & Fading

Sometimes you need to take down curtains for a season or swap linen cushion covers. Knowing how to store them safely will keep them fresh. Always wash and dry completely before storing. Any residue or moisture left in the fabric can lead to mildew or yellowing. Once clean, fold or roll items neatly. Use breathable packaging: cotton storage bags or fabric-lined boxes are ideal. 

Avoid plastic bins or bags unless you include desiccant packets, because plastic can trap humidity and cause mold. Store curtains and covers in a cool, dry, dark place. An interior closet away from direct sunlight is perfect. The Curtain Cleaning Singapore guide advises avoiding damp basements or hot attics, instead choosing a well-ventilated wardrobe or storage shelf. Keep them away from sunlight, even when stored, as UV rays will fade colors over time. 

For extra protection, wrap curtains in acid-free tissue paper. This prevents dust and also buffers any pH issues that might occur with some fabrics (use buffered tissue for cotton/linen; unbuffered for silk/wool ). If hanging storage is available, drape curtains on broad, padded hangers (one panel per hanger). Then cover them with a clean sheet or cotton garment bag, never plastic, to prevent dust.

 

Hanging helps avoid creases. If folding is necessary, do so loosely to minimize crease lines: fold along seam lines or use tissue paper between folds. Avoid deep, sharp creases by rolling delicate fabrics around a tube or cardboard. Labeling storage containers with “curtains” or a date is also wise, so you can air them out annually and inspect for any issues. 

Periodically refolding or rotating them slightly can help even out any color fade and prevent permanent fold lines. For cushion covers, folded stacking in a closet is usually fine, again in a dry place. If storing throw pillow covers themselves (e.g., summer cushions), make sure the covers are off and everything is dry. Mothballs or cedar blocks (natural, unscented) can deter pests in a fabric-safe way. In short: Dry + Dark + Breathable, this combination avoids mildew growth and keeps dyes vibrant.

FAQs: Washing Block-Printed Curtains & Cotton Shrinkage

Q: Can you wash block-printed curtains?

Absolutely, but do it carefully. As outlined above, treat block prints like delicate cotton hand hand-wash cold with a gentle detergent, or use a very mild machine cycle. Always wash them alone (or with similar dark prints) to prevent color transfer. Quick summary: cold hand wash (or delicate machine cycle), no bleach, and air dry. This way, your block-printed designs stay crisp and colorful.

Q: Do cotton curtains shrink after washing?

Cotton is a natural fiber, and yes, it can shrink if washed improperly. Most of that shrinkage happens with heat. To prevent it, use cold water, a gentle cycle, and avoid hot dryers. If shrinkage does occur, it’s usually minor. Ironing damp cotton curtains will relax the fibers and lengthen them slightly. Eyda Homes even leaves extra hem length in many of our curtains so you have room to adjust the stitch if needed. In practice, treating cotton curtains gently keeps shrinkage to a minimum.

 

Eyda Homes Durability Promise & After-Sales Care

At Eyda Homes, we craft each curtain and cushion cover “with care” to ensure it lasts. But even the best textiles need good care to fulfill that promise. Consider this guide part of our after-sales service: it’s us holding your hand after you’ve brought our products home. Follow these tips and you’ll maintain the beauty and strength of your fabrics. And remember: if you have any doubts about cleaning a particular piece, reach out. We’re here to help and stand by our commitment that your Indian textiles will feel as personal and lasting as the day you got them. 

By washing correctly, drying gently, and storing thoughtfully, your Indian curtains and cushion covers will continue to brighten your space without losing a stitch. Happy caring, and enjoy the warmth and charm of your well-maintained decor! Contact Eyda Homes for more details.