There is something special about a cloth made by hand. Every stitch has been carefully worked, one at a time, creating a piece designed not just to look beautiful, but to be used and enjoyed in the everyday moments of home.
Whether you have one of my soft spa cloths or a hardworking kitchen cloth, a little thoughtful care will help preserve its color, shape, texture, and beauty for years to come.
Washing Your Handmade Cloths
Your handmade cloths are meant to be used, so don’t be afraid to wash them! For the best results, machine wash in cool or warm water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent.
Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals whenever possible, as they can weaken the fibers and fade the beautiful colors over time. Fabric softener is also best avoided, especially for kitchen cloths and absorbent cottons, because it can leave a coating on the fibers and reduce absorbency.
The Best Way to Dry Them
For the very best care, gently reshape your cloth and lay it flat to dry. This helps preserve its original shape, stitch definition, and color while reducing unnecessary stress on the fibers.
That said, life is busy, and these cloths are made for real homes, not museum display cases. Most can also be machine dried on a low setting if desired. You may notice some natural shrinkage or slight changes in texture over time, particularly with cotton fibers.
My recommendation? Lay flat to dry when you can, tumble dry low when you need to. Your cloth will forgive you. 🌿
A Little Natural Change Is Part of the Beauty
Because handmade cloths are created with natural fibers and carefully worked stitches, they may soften, relax, or change slightly with washing and use. Cotton in particular often becomes softer and more absorbent over time.
These small changes aren’t flaws. They’re part of the life of a handmade piece, a quiet record of morning coffee spills, evening dishes, warm baths, and all the ordinary little moments that make a home feel lived in.
Caring for Kitchen Cloths
After use, rinse thoroughly and allow your kitchen cloth to dry completely between uses whenever possible. Regular washing helps keep it fresh, and avoiding fabric softener will help maintain its natural absorbency.
For stubborn stains, treat them promptly with a gentle stain remover that’s appropriate for the fiber and color. Always avoid harsh bleaching unless the specific yarn and color can safely tolerate it.
Caring for Spa Cloths
Spa cloths deserve a gentler touch, especially those made with soft Pima cotton, bamboo blends, or other premium fibers. Wash with similar colors using a gentle detergent, reshape while damp, and lay flat to dry whenever possible to best preserve their softness and beautiful stitch definition.
Made to Be Used, Made to Be Loved
The best way to honor something handmade is to let it become part of your everyday life. Use your cloths. Wash them. Let them soften with time and become familiar favorites.
With a little care, your Handmade by Heather cloth can continue bringing beauty, texture, and a touch of handmade warmth to your home, one ordinary moment at a time. 🪷
Made by hand, meant to be loved.
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