If you have an African wax print piece of clothing, you may be wondering how to soften and clean it. To make this process easier, there are a few steps you can take. To begin with, you should use a mild detergent or fabric softener on the fabric. To soften it, simply submerge it in lukewarm water and soak it for ten minutes. After that, you can use a mild steam cleaner to remove any remaining dirt.
Pre-washing
If you want to use African wax print fabric for an upcoming project, you can pre-wash it in your machine. It should be washed at 30deg to 40deg, and you shouldn’t soak it. When you wash it, use a non-chlorine bleach. When you dry it, use a low-temperature iron and use a colour catcher to remove the excess colour.
Washing African print fabrics requires mild detergent and a gentle cycle. When washing the fabric, avoid wringing out the excess water and tumbling the piece. This can result in color bleeding and issues with the wax. Furthermore, since African wax print fabrics are usually made of cotton, you shouldn’t use a hot water cycle, as high temperatures may cause them to shrink. Always check the care instructions on the label to make sure that it is right for your fabric.
If you’re making a garment with African wax print fabric, be sure to follow the care instructions. Some fabrics require a mild detergent, and they need to be hand-washed to ensure that the design stays intact. In addition, it’s important to remember that African wax prints are made of 100% cotton. The process uses a wax-resist method to create designs. The result is a rich and detailed print that is inspired by nature, African culture, and sayings.
To test the colour-fastness of African wax print fabric, lay a white cloth on the wax-print fabric. After the white cloth has dried, you should press the white cloth against the fabric. If the cloth is white, you can safely wash the African wax print fabric. However, be sure to separate it from other wax print fabrics. This way, you’ll avoid fading or removing the pattern.
Steaming
In addition to washing your new African wax print fabric regularly, you can soften the fabrics and remove stains with a home remedy. You can use a handheld steamer or garment steamer. You can fill it with lukewarm water and add a half cup of liquid fabric softener. Hold the steamer over the fabric, and it should soften the material. After steaming, you can gently wring the fabric to remove any excess water.
To steam your African wax print fabric, start by unpinning the fabric first. Steaming it before sewing will make the fabric pliable and remove wrinkles. Then, steam it for at least two minutes to soften it. You can repeat the process as often as necessary, depending on the size of the African wax print fabric. It may take up to an hour. Once you have the fabric ready, you can sew or assemble it into an original piece of clothing.
If you’re washing your African wax print fabric, you may not have been aware of the proper method of care. It might say that you can wash the fabric on a delicate cycle, or you can dry clean it. If the care label does not specify otherwise, steaming will remove the adhesive and soften the fabric. Be sure to check with the manufacturer of your African wax print fabric before washing and drying. You will find that a delicate cycle is best for most fabrics.
When you need to iron your African print clothing, choose a cotton setting. Be careful to avoid using dark vinegar as it will destroy the prints. Always remember to wash your African print fabric on the inside first. If you are not sure about the steam cleaning process, consider using a steam iron. It is worth the extra effort if you have a steam iron. If your iron doesn’t have a steam setting, you may want to use a regular steamer instead.
You can also take your African wax print fabric to a professional dry cleaner. This is a good option if you don’t want to go through the trouble of cleaning your custom fabric yourself. Dry cleaners may not have the experience or expertise to handle custom fabric. You should take your African wax print fabric to a dry cleaner who is knowledgeable in treating it properly. So, take your time before you steam your new fabric.
Avoiding harsh chemicals
There are several ways to soften African wax print fabric without using harsh chemicals. A gentle liquid detergent and a few tablespoons of fabric softener in lukewarm water are great choices. To use a steamer, fill the steamer with water and the fabric softener. While holding it over the fabric, steam it for several minutes. Then, use a brush or a soft cloth to gently smear the softener into the fabric. After that, pat it dry and enjoy your new soft fabric.
Before washing African prints, test the color fastness. Press a white cloth against one of the prints. After the cloth is dry, pull apart the white cloth. If you see stains or white cloth, wash the fabric. If the cloth does not show any color, it is safe to use African prints. Always remember not to leave African prints in a closed garment for long periods of time. Leaving the clothes with stains may encourage mold growth, which would degrade the quality of the African print.
African wax print fabric can be washed in a washing machine, but we recommend hand-washing it to give your garments more love. It’s best to use cold water when washing African wax print fabric to avoid fading. For this reason, we recommend you use mild detergent and gentle soap. When washing African prints, avoid using harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach, which can damage the fabric’s colour and wax.
When washing African prints, it’s important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. African fabric can lose its original colour if it’s not handled carefully. Proper care can ensure that your African prints will last for generations. With a little research, you’ll be able to protect your precious investment. Then, enjoy your new African prints. Then, get out there and enjoy wearing them!
Choosing a good quality fabric
Choosing a good quality African wax print fabric for softening your furniture can be challenging, as the prints are available in so many patterns and colours. While you should always look for a high-quality product that is made in Africa, you should know that wax prints can feel stiff when they are first bought. Moreover, cotton tends to be a stiffer fabric than the African wax print.
You can also soften African wax print fabrics by soaking them in a solution of salt and vinegar. Vinegar is great at softening fabrics, but it may remove the natural oils in the fabric. Instead, use white vinegar or similar liquid softener. After soaking the fabric, it should feel softer and comfortable. Once softened, you can wear it again. And this way, you can enjoy your beautiful African wax print fabric for years to come.
While choosing a good quality African wax print fabric for softening, you should keep in mind that African wax prints look better on fabrics made on a cross grain. This means that the grain line pattern marks are at a 90-degree angle to the selvedge. A good quality African wax print fabric should not be damaged by abrasive movements, such as brushing or rubbing the fabric. Also, a good quality African print fabric is always printed in yards, as opposed to squares or a small piece.
Using hot water, soap, or fabric softener to wash your African wax print fabric can cause your African print to shed. Dark vinegar is also not recommended, as it can harm the fabric. African prints are likely to become dirty over time, and this means you have to be diligent about cleaning and storing them. Unwashed African prints are prime candidates for mold and mildew growth, which can degrade the quality of the material.
While buying an African wax print fabric, keep in mind that the dye used in its production is quite delicate. Choosing a good quality African wax print fabric is not easy. You should check the dye quality by pressing a white cloth against the African wax print fabric. After the fabric is dry, pull it apart. Unlike cheap fabrics, quality African wax print fabric should not bleed when washed.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.