There is something deeply satisfying about hand block printed bedding. The colours feel richer than anything a machine produces. The imperfections — a slightly uneven line, a motif that sits a millimetre off-centre — remind you that a human hand made this. These are not flaws. They are the signature of the craft.
But hand block printed textiles do require a little more care than your average bedding. The dyes are natural or semi-natural, the fabrics are pure cotton, and the printing process is entirely manual. With the right care, the colours stay vivid and the fabric grows softer with every wash. With the wrong care, even the finest block print can fade, shrink, or lose its character within a few months.
This guide covers everything you need to know.
Wash in cold water — always
Heat is the enemy of block print dyes. Whether you are hand washing or using a machine, always use cold or cool water — never warm and certainly never hot. Hot water opens the fabric fibres and releases the dye, causing colours to bleed and fade significantly faster than they should.
If you are using a washing machine, set it to the gentlest cold cycle available. Most modern machines have a delicate or hand wash setting — use that.
Use a mild detergent
Harsh detergents with strong chemicals, bleach agents, or optical brighteners strip natural dyes from fabric over time. Use a mild, pH-neutral liquid detergent — the kind marketed for delicate fabrics or baby clothes works well. Avoid powder detergents as they can leave residue in the fabric weave.
A simple home alternative: a small amount of diluted shampoo or a teaspoon of white vinegar in the rinse cycle helps set the colours and keeps the fabric soft.
Wash dark and light prints separately for the first two washes
New block printed fabric will release some excess dye in the first one or two washes — this is completely normal and not a sign of poor quality. It is simply the nature of natural and semi-natural dyes. To prevent any colour transfer, wash dark-coloured prints separately from lighter ones for the first couple of washes. After that, they can be washed together without concern.
Never soak for extended periods
Soaking block printed fabric in water for more than 20–30 minutes weakens the dye bond and causes uneven fading. If you are treating a stain, spot clean immediately with a damp cloth and mild soap rather than submerging the entire piece.
Dry in shade — not direct sunlight
Direct sunlight is the fastest way to fade any dyed fabric, and block print is no exception. Dry your bedding in a shaded area with good airflow — a covered balcony or an airy room works perfectly. Avoid drying in the blazing afternoon sun, particularly in Indian summers when UV intensity is high.
The good news is that pure cotton dries quickly even in shade during warm months. You rarely need more than a few hours.
Iron on medium heat — inside out
If your block printed bedsheet needs ironing, turn it inside out before pressing. This protects the printed surface from direct heat contact which can dull the colours over time. Use a medium heat setting — cotton handles heat well, but the dyes benefit from indirect rather than direct heat.
A light mist of water before ironing helps relax any stubborn creases without needing high heat.
Store folded loosely in a cool, dry place
Block printed cotton stored tightly compressed for long periods can develop permanent creases along fold lines. Store your bedding loosely folded in a cool, dry drawer or linen cupboard. Avoid storing in plastic bags which trap moisture and can cause mildew on natural fabrics. A cotton muslin bag is ideal for long-term storage.
If you are storing for a season, a sachet of dried lavender or neem leaves placed nearby keeps insects away without any chemical contact with the fabric.
What to expect as your bedding ages
Here is something worth knowing: hand block printed bedding does not stay exactly as it arrived. Over washes, the colours soften slightly and the fabric becomes noticeably more pliable and comfortable against the skin. This is not deterioration — it is the natural lifecycle of well-made cotton textile. Some of the most beautiful block print pieces are the ones that have been washed a hundred times and carry the warmth of years of use.
The craft that went into making your bedding was built for longevity, not disposability. Treat it accordingly and it will last years.
A note on stains
Act immediately — the longer a stain sits on natural cotton, the harder it becomes to remove. Blot (never rub) with a clean damp cloth. Apply a small amount of mild liquid soap directly to the stain and work it in gently with your fingers. Rinse in cold water. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water left for 15 minutes before rinsing works well on cotton without damaging the dye.
Avoid any stain removers containing bleach or chlorine — these will lift the block print dye along with the stain.
Explore Roheda’s hand block printed bedding collections — made in the Indian craft tradition, designed for the everyday home. Shop now at roheda.in