Keeping Your Chikankari Magic Alive: A Simple Guide to Washing and Care

How to Care for Your Chikankari Collection: Keep It Beautiful for Years 

Chikankari is an art that blends tradition, elegance, and craftsmanship. Each piece is hand-embroidered with delicate stitches that make it truly special. To ensure your Chikankari outfits remain fresh, vibrant, and long-lasting, proper care is essential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through washing, drying, ironing, and storing your Chikankari outfits so that they stay as stunning as the day you bought them.

1. Washing Instructions: Gentle Care for Delicate Embroidery

➤ 1 Hand Wash Only (Recommended)
Always hand wash your Chikankari outfits to protect the delicate embroidery.
If the material has heavy embroidery or embellishments, dry cleaning is a safer option.
Avoid machine washing, as the rough spinning can damage the intricate threadwork.
✅ Example: If you have a georgette Chikankari kurti with real mirror work, dry cleaning will ensure the embellishments remain intact.

➤ 2 Use Mild Detergent
Always use a mild, non-harsh detergent to prevent fading and damage to the embroidery.
Avoid strong chemicals, fabric softeners, or bleach, as they can weaken the delicate threads.
✅ Best Option: Use a detergent like Ezee, Genteel, or baby shampoo, which is gentle on fabrics.

➤ 3 Avoid Scrubbing & Rubbing
Never scrub the fabric harshly, as this can loosen the embroidery threads.
Instead, gently soak the fabric in cold water for a few minutes and then rinse it softly.
If needed, rub the fabric lightly between your palms instead of using a brush.
✅ Example: If you have a stain on your cotton Chikankari kurti, use a soft bristle toothbrush with mild detergent to gently clean the affected area.

➤ 4 Spot Cleaning for Stains
If you spill something on your Chikankari outfit, act quickly.
Dab the stain gently with water instead of rubbing it.
For stubborn stains, use a mixture of water and mild detergent and pat gently with a soft cloth.
🚫 Avoid: Using harsh stain removers like Vanish, as they may fade the embroidery color.

➤ 5 Do Not Bleach
Bleaching is a big NO! It can weaken and damage the embroidery threads permanently.
🚫 Example: If you wash a pastel pink Chikankari kurti with bleach, it may turn white or lose its delicate color.

2. Drying Instructions: Preserve the Elegance

➺ 1 Avoid Machine Drying
Never tumble dry your Chikankari outfits, as the heat and spinning can distort the embroidery.
Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and dry it naturally.
✅ Best Option: Lay the garment flat on a towel to absorb excess water before drying.

➺ 2 Dry in the Shade
Always dry your Chikankari outfits in the shade, away from direct sunlight.
Too much sunlight can cause colors to fade and make the fabric stiff.
✅ Example: If you have a white Chikankari dupatta, drying it in indirect light will keep it bright and fresh.

🚫 Avoid: Hanging a wet Chikankari outfit on a wire hanger, as it can leave marks. Use padded hangers or a flat drying surface instead.

3. Ironing Instructions: Keep It Wrinkle-Free 

Always iron your Chikankari outfit inside out to protect the embroidery.
Use a low to medium heat setting to avoid burning the delicate stitches.
For lighter fabrics like georgette, place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric.
✅ Example: If you have a mulmul Chikankari kurti, steam ironing is the best way to remove wrinkles without harming the embroidery.

🚫 Avoid: Ironing directly on embellishments like pearls or mirror work.

4. Storing Instructions: Keep It Fresh & Ready to Wear

Fold your Chikankari outfits neatly instead of hanging them, especially for softer fabrics like muslin, mulmul, and georgette.
Keep them in a breathable cotton bag or muslin cloth to prevent dust and moisture damage.
Avoid plastic covers, as they trap moisture and can lead to yellowing of the fabric over time.
✅ Best Option: Store your outfit with silica gel sachets to prevent moisture buildup.

5. Additional Tips for Long-Lasting Chikankari

✔ Do not spray perfume directly on the embroidery; spray it on your skin before wearing.
✔ If your Chikankari outfit is dyed, the fabric may release a little color during the first wash – don’t worry! This is normal, and the color will stabilize after a few washes.
✔ If you are unsure about washing at home, dry cleaning is always the safest option.

6. Styling Tips: How to Wear Chikankari with Elegance

✨ For Work Wear: Pair a Chikankari cotton kurti with formal trousers and minimal jewelry for a classy office look.
✨ For Festive Occasions: Style a Chanderi silk Chikankari suit with jhumkas and embroidered juttis for an elegant traditional look.
✨ For Casual Outings: A Chikankari Anarkali with leggings and a simple dupatta creates a comfortable yet stylish look.
✨ For Summer Comfort: A mulmul Chikankari dress with strappy sandals keeps you cool and breezy.

7. Disclaimer: What to Expect from Handmade Chikankari

Each Chikankari outfit is hand-embroidered, which means:

Slight variations in stitches and motifs are normal – this makes each piece unique!
The fabric might have a slight color variation due to natural dyes and photography effects.
Handmade pieces carry the beauty of imperfections, making them one-of-a-kind treasures.

Conclusion: Love Your Chikankari, and It Will Love You Back!
Caring for your Chikankari collection is simple if you follow these easy tips. With gentle washing, proper drying, careful ironing, and correct storage, you can enjoy your Chikankari outfits for years to come.

🛍 Explore our latest Chikankari collections at MALABIS.in and embrace timeless elegance!

🌸 Have any questions about Chikankari care? Let us know in the comments below! 🌸