How to Wash and Care for Your Hanfu

As summer rolls in, it’s time to pull out those gorgeous silk and chiffon Hanfu pieces. The lightweight, flowing fabric not only feels amazing but also gives you a beautifully graceful look—perfect for hot weather. Silk and chiffon Hanfu are among the easiest fabrics to care for, they don’t wrinkle easily and are generally pretty durable. However, despite their easy care, you may notice that after a few wears, some Hanfu start to look a bit worn, or the fabric turns yellowish. This usually happens because the cleaning process wasn’t done properly. So, let’s go through some simple steps on how to care for and clean your Hanfu to keep it looking as fresh as the first time you wore it.

Tips for Washing Your Hanfu:
Always Wash Inside Out, Hand Wash if Possible: The first thing to remember is to always wash your Hanfu inside out. This will help protect the fabric from damage. If you can, hand wash it. It’s much gentler on delicate fabrics. But if you’re in a rush and need to use a washing machine, put your Hanfu in a mesh laundry bag to prevent it from getting too banged up.

Dark and Light Colors Should Be Washed Separately: If you’re washing dark-colored Hanfu for the first time, expect some color bleeding. It’s totally normal, but to prevent any mishaps, always separate your dark pieces from lighter ones. For dark colors, you can soak them in lukewarm salted water for about 30 minutes before washing to help set the color and reduce fading.

Cotton Hanfu: Cotton fabrics, especially on their first wash, tend to shrink. To avoid any surprises, soak the cotton Hanfu in water for a few minutes before washing. This helps soften the fabric a bit, making it easier to clean. Just make sure you don’t soak it for too long, as it can affect both the color and feel of the fabric.

Linen Hanfu: Linen has a more rigid texture compared to other fabrics, and the fibers aren’t as tightly woven. When washing linen Hanfu, avoid using stiff brushes or scrubbing too harshly. It’s best to be gentle to avoid fraying or damaging the fabric. After washing, don’t wring it out or twist it too hard; instead, press out the excess water gently to maintain its shape.

Polyester and Synthetic Fabrics: If you have Hanfu made of polyester or other synthetic fibers, the first step is to soak it in cold water for around 15 minutes. After that, use a mild detergent to clean it, but make sure the water temperature doesn’t exceed 45°C (113°F) as hot water can damage the fabric. For those stubborn spots like collars or cuffs, you can use a soft brush to scrub lightly. Once washed, rinse thoroughly and gently press out any excess water. Always air-dry synthetic fabrics in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Never expose them to direct sunlight, as it can cause the fabric to fade. And importantly, don’t use a dryer—let it dry naturally to prevent wrinkles.

How to Dry Your Hanfu:
When it’s time to dry your Hanfu, always choose a shaded, well-ventilated spot. Hanging your Hanfu in the sun can cause the colors to fade over time, so it’s best to avoid direct sunlight. To protect the front of the fabric from UV rays, turn your Hanfu inside out before hanging it to dry. This simple step will help keep it looking fresh and new for longer.