How do I care for a Kantha Quilt - AfterCare

One of the most frequently asked questions at Jaipur Handloom is, "How do I care for my kantha quilt?" We understand  your concern. You've just purchased a beautifully hand-embroidered blanket, and the last thing you want is for the thread to be pulled while in the washing machine.

These blankets, especially vintage quilts made from repurposed saris, were traditionally made not only for special occasions, but also for gifting to family members. With daily family life comes a fair share of spills, so whether you have a sticky-handed child or a careless mother-in-law, chances are your kantha cotton throw will need to be washed at some point.

Here are our kantha aftercare recommendations to keep your blanket in pristine condition.

 

Is it necessary to dry clean Kantha quilts?

No. You do not need to have a 100% cotton kantha blanket professionally dry cleaned if you own one (all quilts on our website except the silk kanthas). While this is an option that many customers choose for ultimate peace of mind, we find that hand washing is the best method for cleaning.

 

Hand Washing Your Kantha Quilt

The kantha quilt was traditionally washed by hand in India and Bangladesh. This is still the best option for cleaning your blanket to reduce the risk of pulls. For best results, fill a bathtub with cold to lukewarm water (below 30°C/86°F) and use a mild detergent.

 Blue Floral kantha quilt

Machine Washing a Kantha Quilt

We do not recommend washing your kantha quilt in a washing machine. If hand washing or dry cleaning are not viable options for you, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage.

 Handwash or use the delicate cycle. 

Set to a low temperature (less than 30°C/86°F). 

Separately wash to avoid damage from other items. 

How to Care for a Silk Kantha Quilt

Cleaning a silk kantha quilt can be a daunting task for some owners because silk can be a fickle fabric to care for. However, you don't have to be concerned because our silk kantha blankets can be hand washed or dry cleaned.

Hand-wash silk kantha similar to the instructions for a cotton kantha, but be careful when drying. During the drying process, silk should not be wrung or twisted. Instead, lay the blanket on towels, then add more towels on top, and slowly roll it up. This will draw moisture out of the blanket and into the towels.

Silk Kantha Quilts

 How to Care for an  Indigo Kantha Quilt

The main consideration when cleaning an indigo kantha quilt is that there may be residual dye in the fabric. As a result, it is critical to wash an indigo blanket separately from your other items.  Hand washing is ideal for this and will allow you to drain and refill the tub until the water runs clear.

 

Indigo Kantha Quilt

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