Hemp fiber fabric is a versatile and durable fabric that is used in clothing and other items. When washed properly, flax fiber fabric will soften and become more comfortable when worn so that it will last for a long time. Hemp fiber absorbs moisture quickly. To learn how to care for items made from flax fiber, learn how to wash these fibers properly by hand and in the washing machine to avoid damaging the fabric.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Hand Washing Hemp Fibers
Step 1. Wash the flax fiber by hand
Jute is a strong and durable fabric, but it's best to still wash it by hand. Washing machines tend to damage fabrics faster and take away the texture and strength of the fabric which is the reason why this fiber is loved by so many people.
- If the flax fabric is going to be hand washed, use a mild, natural detergent and make sure the fabric is thoroughly rinsed.
- Soap residue can leave cellulose, which oxidizes and leaves large brown marks on the flax fiber. Therefore, it is important to rinse the flax fiber thoroughly with clean water after washing.
Step 2. If you want to soften the flax fiber, wash it a few times first
The flax fiber will soften the more you wash it. If you want to speed up the softening process, use fabric softener, or simply dampen a flax cloth to allow the fibers to soften over time.
If you want the hemp fabric to soften quickly, just put it in the washer and dryer. Use hot water to open the flax fibers and tumble dry several times to soften the fabric quickly. As a result, hemp fabric will feel as soft as other fabrics
Step 3. Air dry the flax fiber garment
It is recommended to dry flax fiber clothes with the wind as often as possible. If you intend to soften the fabric as quickly as possible, use a hot dryer on a medium setting, but in the long run it is best to keep the garment air-dried. Hemp fiber clothing is highly durable especially if cared for properly.
Step 4. Remove the wrinkles from the laundry using a hot iron
When the clothes are dry, you can use a hot iron to smooth out wrinkles and creases. It's a good idea to iron the cloth while it's still a little damp, so remove the clothesline when it's still a little wet.
Lay out clothes and iron as usual. Colored shirts must first be turned over and ironed on the inside
Method 2 of 3: Machine Washing Hemp Fiber Fabric
Step 1. Use slow rotation
Put in flax fiber clothes and linens and use a gentle spin and detergent that is mild, natural and gentle on clothes. Delicate flax-fibre garments may be tucked into an underwear bag before they are placed in the washing machine for protection.
Step 2. The hemp fabric can be washed at any temperature
It's okay to wash flax fiber fabrics that have been previously washed at any temperature in the washing machine. However, if the fabric is colored, it is best to wash it in cold water to prevent the color from fading.
You can add a cup of white vinegar to remove soap residue and soften the hemp fabric. The vinegar also helps remove odors from the hemp fabric so it smells clean. The vinegar smell will go away when the clothes are dry
Step 3. Dry the flax fiber clothes in the wind or hang them on a clothesline
It is recommended to air dry flax fiber clothes. However, if you have to use a hot dryer, set the heat as low as possible and stop before the fabric is completely dry.
Drying flax fiber in the sun tends to make the color of the clothes slightly faded. With some clothes this may be a good thing, but you may also prefer to keep the original color. Depending on your wishes, it may be best not to let your clothes stay out in the sun for too long
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding Mistakes
Step 1. Do not use chlorinated bleach on hemp fiber fabrics
The chlorine in the bleach will stain the flax fiber immediately. If you want the stain to be removed from the flax fiber, gently scrub with a natural soap, or bleach the colored area in the sun after drying.
Fading in the sun can help remove stains or reduce the color of clothes. If the flax fiber fabric gets stained, wash it thoroughly, then air dry it in the sun long enough to "bleach" the garment naturally
Step 2. Avoid high heat
Drying the flax fiber fabric on high heat will shrink the garment quickly if the garment is placed while still wet in a very high temperature dryer. This dryer is fine for occasional use, but it's important to avoid high heat and it's best to just hang clothes on a clothesline.
In general, flax fiber will dry faster than other fabrics. Usually the fabric does not need to be dried, especially in hot weather
Step 3. Do not dry clean the hemp fabric
Dry cleaning will shrink the hemp fibers and damage your clothes and belongings. Dry cleaning is usually recommended for cleaning expensive household furniture and clothes, because it reduces the risk of the fabric shrinking. However, the opposite will happen with flax fiber fabrics. Wash furniture and other items from hemp fabrics as you would clothes.
