Hemp fabric is durable, breathable and naturally long-lasting, and proper care helps it perform at its best. This guide explains how to wash, dry and maintain hemp textiles for interiors and clothing. It thrives on regular use and gentle laundering, softening with time while retaining its structure. Quick to dry and forgiving in everyday life, it’s a textile that improves rather than ages.
WASHING
- Everyday care: Wash cool (around 30 °C) on a gentle cycle with similar colours.
- Detergent: Use a mild, earth-friendly detergent. Avoid bleach, enzyme-based cleaners, or optical brighteners, which can weaken the natural fibres or alter colour.
- Dry cleaning: Recommended for upholstery, drapery, and decorative fabrics to preserve structure, finish, and colour.
- Stains: Treat marks before washing with a mild, non-chlorinated stain remover — avoid direct spot sprays.
- Pre-wash: If laundering fabric before sewing, overlock or surge the edges to prevent fraying.
- Mixed loads: Avoid washing hemp with zips, Velcro, or textured towels that can abrade the surface.
DRYING
Hemp’s porous structure allows it to dry quickly and naturally.
- Air-drying: Shake out and hang to dry after washing. Avoid direct sunlight on coloured fabrics to prevent fading.
- Tumble-drying: Use a low-heat setting; remove items while still slightly damp to prevent over-drying and reduce creasing.
- Garments: Line-dry lighter pieces to preserve drape; tumble-dry heavier weights to help them retain shape.
- Energy-saving: Limited tumbling or full air-drying extends fibre life and saves resources.
IRONING
- Iron while the fabric is still damp using medium to hot heat.
- Always iron on the reverse side, especially for coloured fabrics.
- Hemp’s natural crispness means starch is unnecessary.
- A light steam refresh between washes will restore softness and remove creases.
SOFTENING
Hemp softens naturally with each wash and use. Each cycle gently reveals new surfaces of the fibre, deepening its texture and comfort.
SHRINKAGE
Like all natural fibres, hemp may shrink slightly on first washing.
- Expect shrinkage of around 3 - 8% depending on weave, finish, and wash temperature.
- Pre-wash or pre-shrink your fabric before cutting or making to ensure accurate sizing and fit.
- Always finish raw edges (overlock or zig-zag) before the first wash to prevent fraying.
- Wash on a gentle 30 °C cycle and line-dry flat or hang to allow the fibres to relax naturally.
- Once pre-washed, the fabric will stabilise and maintain its dimensions.
Pre-washing not only sets the size but also brings out hemp’s true handle and character — slightly softened, beautifully textured, and ready to work with.
Explore our full collection of hemp fabrics.