How to Care for Your Hanfu (Cleaning and Storage)

Hanfu is absolutely enchanting—when you wear it, it feels like stepping into another world. With all the different styles and unique fabrics, it’s no wonder Hanfu is so beloved. But if you’re someone who loves wearing Hanfu, you might be wondering: how do you properly care for it?

Caring for Hanfu involves two main things: cleaning and storage. Both are really important because they’ll determine how long your Hanfu stays looking beautiful. So, let’s talk about what to pay attention to in both areas!

How to Clean Your Hanfu
First things first, let’s talk about cleaning. Hanfu is different from regular clothing—it often comes in sets, and the skirts and sleeves are usually longer and wider. Because of this, cleaning your Hanfu requires a bit more care. Also, the way you wash it can depend on the material, so let’s go over some specific tips.

Turn it Inside Out and Hand Wash
The correct way to wash Hanfu is to turn it inside out, and if possible, hand wash it. If you absolutely need to use a washing machine, make sure to place your Hanfu in a protective laundry bag, and select the gentlest wash cycle. This helps minimize damage to the fabric.

Separate Dark and Light Colors
It’s important not to wash dark and light-colored Hanfu together, as it can lead to color bleeding. For dark Hanfu, like deep reds or blues, you can soak them in lukewarm salted water for a while before washing. This helps reduce color loss and prevents the dye from running.

Cotton Fabrics
For cotton Hanfu, be aware that it may shrink the first time you wash it. To prevent this, soak it in water for a short time before washing—just a few minutes to soften the fabric. Don’t let it sit too long, as prolonged soaking can cause fading.

Linen Fabrics
Linen tends to be a bit stiffer, so when cleaning linen Hanfu, be gentle. Don’t scrub it too hard, as this can cause the fabric to fray or pill. After washing, don’t wring the fabric out—just press it gently to remove excess water and avoid stretching or distorting the shape.

Sun Exposure During Drying
Finally, avoid drying your Hanfu in direct sunlight, as the UV rays can cause some fabrics to fade over time. Instead, hang it in a shaded, well-ventilated area. The air will dry it more gently, keeping the colors vibrant and the fabric in good condition.

How to Store Your Hanfu
Now that your Hanfu is clean, let’s talk about how to store it properly.

Choose the Right Storage Environment
The first thing to consider is the environment where you’ll store your Hanfu. If your room tends to be damp or humid, you’ll want to take steps to protect it from moisture and pests. Consider using a dehumidifier or mothballs if necessary to prevent any damage.

Separate Based on Fabric and Style
Different materials require different types of storage. For fabrics like silk, cotton, or tweed that are prone to wrinkling or shrinking, it’s best to hang them up in your wardrobe. Hanging helps keep the shape intact and prevents creases from setting in. On the other hand, fabrics like chiffon that don’t wrinkle easily and are less likely to shrink can be folded, placed in a dust bag, and stored neatly in your wardrobe.

Storing Long vs. Short Hanfu
For long Hanfu, it’s always better to hang them in the closet to avoid any creases or damage from folding. For shorter garments, you can fold them and store them in a dust bag, but be sure to keep the wardrobe dry and well-ventilated.

Special Care for Skirts with Pleats
For pleated skirts like the mamian qun (horse-face skirt) or bai zhe (accordion-style pleated skirt), storing them requires a little extra care. Not only do you need to be careful to avoid setting permanent creases, but you should also try to store them in a way that preserves the pleats. A good trick is to insert bamboo strips into the pleats before storing them. This helps keep the pleats sharp and prevents them from flattening out.