Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment, usually made of silk, which requires delicate care during washing to maintain its beauty and elegance. In this article, you will learn the step-by-step process of washing kimono without causing any damage. From preparation to drying, we have covered everything you need to know to keep your kimono looking new and fresh.
Pre-Washing Preparations
Before washing your kimono, there are a few crucial pre-washing preparations that you need to follow to ensure the best results:
Check for Colorfastness
The first step before washing any garment is to check if it is colorfast. To do so, wet a small part of the kimono in lukewarm water and rub it gently with a white cloth. If the color does not bleed, the garment is safe to wash.
Inspect for Stains and Damage
Inspect your kimono properly for any stains or damage, such as loose threads, holes or tears. Address those issues separately before washing the garment.
Select the Right Detergent
Select the right detergent that is suitable for delicate fabrics to avoid damaging the silk. Ensure it is mild and does not contain any bleach or enzymes.
Washing the Kimono
Now that the pre-washing preparations have been done let’s dive into the process of washing a kimono:
Hand Washing
Hand washing is the most preferred way of washing a kimono. Follow the steps below to hand wash your kimono:
1. Fill a large bucket or bathtub with lukewarm water and add the appropriate amount of mild detergent as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Soak the kimono in the water and gently massage it, ensuring the detergent is distributed evenly over the garment’s surface.
3. Rinse the kimono by draining the water and refilling the tub with clean water.
4. Gently squeeze out the excess water from the garment without wringing it.
5. Lay the kimono flat on a towel and roll it up to absorb the remaining water.
Machine Washing
Machine washing is not recommended for kimono, as it can cause damage to the delicate silk fabric. However, if you must use a washing machine, follow these steps:
1. Load the kimono into a mesh laundry bag, ensuring there is enough space to move freely.
2. Use a gentle cycle with cold water setting.
3. Add mild detergent to the washing machine, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Once the washing is complete, remove the kimono from the bag and gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing it.
5. Lay the kimono flat on a towel and roll it up to absorb the remaining water.
Drying the Kimono
After washing, the kimono needs to be dried properly before storing it. Follow these steps for drying:
Hang Drying
Hanging a kimono to dry is not recommended as it might lead to deformation of the garment. However, if you want to hang the kimono, follow these steps:
1. Use a hanger with padded clips to avoid leaving any marks on the garment.
2. Hang the kimono in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources or areas of high humidity.
3. Make sure the garment is evenly spaced over the hanger.
Flat Drying
Flat drying is the most preferred way of drying a kimono. Follow these steps:
1. Lay the kimono flat on a clean towel.
2. Gently stretch the garment to its original shape.
3. Ensure the garment is not touching any surfaces.
4. Allow the kimono to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources or areas of high humidity.
Conclusion
Washing a kimono can be a tedious but necessary task that requires careful attention to maintain the garment’s beauty and longevity. Following the above steps will help you avoid damage to the delicate silk fabric while keeping it clean and fresh.
FAQs
1. How often should I wash my kimono?
Ans: It depends on how frequently you wear it. If worn daily, wash it once a week. A less-frequent wearer can wash it every few months.
2. Can I use bleach to whiten my kimono?
Ans: No, using bleach can damage the silk fabric. Instead, use mild detergent or vinegar solution to whiten the kimono.
3. How can I prevent my kimono from shrinking?
Ans: When washing a kimono, avoid using hot water and never wring the garment. If it has shrunk, soak it in lukewarm water and gently stretch the fabric back to its original shape.
4. Can I iron a kimono after washing?
Ans: It is not recommended to iron a kimono. Instead, gently stretch and lay the garment flat to dry.
5. Can I dry clean my kimono?
Ans: Yes, dry cleaning is an option, but it is more expensive and may cause damage to the fabric if the solvents used are harsh.
