Carefully caring for a kimono is extremely important in keeping it vibrant, clean, and longer lasting. However, it's important to do it in the right way so as not to damage the kimono. For those who are unsure how best to care for their kimono, our informative kimono care guide has all the information you need!
Kimono Care for a Cotton Kimono
Cotton kimono are relatively easy to clean and can be washed like other cotton garments. This can be done on a gentle machine wash at 30°
C.
Kimono Care for a Silk Kimono
Silk kimono require a lot more care and delicacy than cotton kimono or yukata. As a general rule, you should try and avoid a silk kimono from becoming dirty and needing to be cleaned as much as possible. We recommend taking your kimono to a dry cleaner to ensure it is receiving the proper care. However, it is possible to clean a silk kimono by hand, but only do so if you are confident - cleaning a kimono yourself can be risky if you're unsure.
- Firstly, start off by filling a bucket or sink with lukewarm water. The temperature of the water should be below 30°C as hot water can be damaging to silk. Although silk kimono can be washed by hand with the right knowledge, they cannot be placed in washing machines.
- Add a small drop of mild, non-alkaline detergent suitable for silk, or baby shampoo, to the solution and mix. Ensure that the detergent is completely dissolved.
- If the water from your area is hard, we recommend that you add a little Borax substitute to soften it.
- Place your silk kimono into the bucket and solution. Gently swirl the kimono for a couple of minutes, taking extra care in not scrubbing the kimono or leaving it in the bucket for too long. While hand washing, focus on the areas that are stained or dirty.
- Rinse the kimono carefully and gently to remove any detergent.
- Dry the silk kimono by placing it on a hanger outdoors, making sure to keep it out of direct sunlight as the sun can cause the colour of the kimono to fade. It’s extremely important that you don’t wring out, tumble dry, or iron the silk kimono; let any excess water drip off itself.
Ironing a Silk Kimono
Ironing your silk kimono should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. If you do choose to iron it, place it on an ironing board with the shiny side faced down. Place a thin piece of white cotton on the reverse of the fabric, and dry iron the kimono at a very low temperature. It’s imperative that you don’t directly touch the silk with the iron.
Storing Your Kimono
There is a traditional method of folding that should be carried out with your kimono, as seen above. It is also tradition to wrap silk kimono in a special paper that makes sure they are kept dry and rid of humidity. Any non-fibrous paper works, but the special paper is known as tatou-shi. Make sure your kimono is completely dry before storing it away. We have a wonderful range of
silk kimono,
cotton kimono, and
yukata available on our website. Kimono are extremely comfortable and look wonderful, and all of our kimono are designed and handcrafted in traditional Japanese style. Whether you're searching for children's kimono, ladies kimono, or men's kimono, we have a vast range of elegant kimono available.
