how to care for batik
The necessary type of care of batik fabric is highly dependent upon what type of material the item is made from and what it will be used for. You always need to handle your batik item with the utmost care. Often many hours have gone into the creation of your batik item and without the proper care a batik item can be ruined quickly!
Dye
First, a word about dye, most commercial producers of batik use industrial strength dyes that resist fading due to sunlight. However, some producers and artists may use natural dye or even household dye, which can fade and wash out over time. Be sure that before you embark on any batik cleaning or care expedition you know what type of dye was used in the creation of your batik fabric!
Fine Art Pieces
If your fine art piece does not come already mounted and framed it is advisable to do so as soon as possible. Part of the beauty of batik is being able to see the texture of the fabric itself, thus you may not want to have it put under glass. However, without the protection from UV resistant glass you will want to make sure the piece is hung up somewhere out of direct sunlight so that it does not fade.
Garments
Most pieces that are specifically created as garments are likely to be able to withstand far more handling than a fine art piece or even a batik accessory could endure. However, you will still want to do a patch test and follow fabric specific guidelines before throwing the piece in the washing machine. If at all possible, always wash your batik garments by hand, line dry and lightly iron if necessary.
Accessories
Most batik accessories are made to be relatively durable and can withstand some wear. However, keep in mind that some accessories such as purses and bag may be lined with cardboard on the inside. You do not want to get them overly wet and end up with mushy cardboard and a ruined accessory. Believe me, I know folks who have done this! Make sure you know what all the components of your batik accessory are made from before you start cleaning! Also, before undertaking any major cleaning processes on your piece you will first want to do a patch test in a hidden spot to make sure that cleaning the piece will not damage the fabric or the dye.
Table Linens
Batik table linens are typically made to endure substantial abuse. However, that does not mean that they should not be handled carefully. Always wash them with a gentle detergent, tumble dry on low and iron immediately after removing from the dryer to ensure that they do not wrinkle. If you are able to afford it and only use your batik table linens for special occasions, it might be advisable to take them to a cleaner that specializes in the table linens.
For more information on fabric specific handling please check out our individual pages on cotton, rayon, linen and silk.
Remember, if you take good care of your batik fabric it will bring you years of joy and beauty!
First, a word about dye, most commercial producers of batik use industrial strength dyes that resist fading due to sunlight. However, some producers and artists may use natural dye or even household dye, which can fade and wash out over time. Be sure that before you embark on any batik cleaning or care expedition you know what type of dye was used in the creation of your batik fabric!
Fine Art Pieces
If your fine art piece does not come already mounted and framed it is advisable to do so as soon as possible. Part of the beauty of batik is being able to see the texture of the fabric itself, thus you may not want to have it put under glass. However, without the protection from UV resistant glass you will want to make sure the piece is hung up somewhere out of direct sunlight so that it does not fade.
Garments
Most pieces that are specifically created as garments are likely to be able to withstand far more handling than a fine art piece or even a batik accessory could endure. However, you will still want to do a patch test and follow fabric specific guidelines before throwing the piece in the washing machine. If at all possible, always wash your batik garments by hand, line dry and lightly iron if necessary.
Accessories
Most batik accessories are made to be relatively durable and can withstand some wear. However, keep in mind that some accessories such as purses and bag may be lined with cardboard on the inside. You do not want to get them overly wet and end up with mushy cardboard and a ruined accessory. Believe me, I know folks who have done this! Make sure you know what all the components of your batik accessory are made from before you start cleaning! Also, before undertaking any major cleaning processes on your piece you will first want to do a patch test in a hidden spot to make sure that cleaning the piece will not damage the fabric or the dye.
Table Linens
Batik table linens are typically made to endure substantial abuse. However, that does not mean that they should not be handled carefully. Always wash them with a gentle detergent, tumble dry on low and iron immediately after removing from the dryer to ensure that they do not wrinkle. If you are able to afford it and only use your batik table linens for special occasions, it might be advisable to take them to a cleaner that specializes in the table linens.
For more information on fabric specific handling please check out our individual pages on cotton, rayon, linen and silk.
Remember, if you take good care of your batik fabric it will bring you years of joy and beauty!
