How to Care for and Wash Wax Fabric

Wax fabric is known for its colorfastness, but it still needs to be cared for properly to preserve its vibrancy over time. Here are our tips, applicable to both your wax clothing and accessories.

Before the first wash

For new wax fabric, a first cold wash alone (without other laundry) is recommended to remove excess dye that may bleed, before mixing it with other items in your wardrobe.

How to wash wax fabric

• Temperature: 30°C maximum, delicate cycle, to prevent colors from fading.
• Inside out: always turn the item inside out before washing to protect the printed side from friction.
• Product: a mild detergent, without bleach or aggressive stain removers.
• Separation: wash wax fabric separately the first few times, even if the dye is of good quality.

How to dry and iron it

Avoid tumble drying, which can dull colors and weaken the cotton over time. Air drying, in the shade, better preserves the vibrancy of the colors. For ironing, also do it on the reverse side of the fabric, at a moderate temperature.

How to recognize wax that needs to be replaced

• Colors are visibly faded compared to their original state.
• The fabric becomes stiff or loses its characteristic suppleness.
• Streaks or holes appear, especially in areas of friction.

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Our wax pieces

Discover our wax fabric accessories, such as the Ankara Empress Turban or the Ankara Soleil Turban, in our African Aura collection. To learn more about this fabric, consult our article on the history of wax and our guide to patterns and their meaning.

FAQ — Wax fabric care

Does wax shrink when washed?

Quality wax, made of pure cotton, shrinks very little if washed at a low temperature. Avoid hot water, which increases this risk.

Can wax be dry cleaned?

It is generally not necessary: a hand wash or machine wash in cold water is perfectly sufficient for a cotton fabric like wax.

How to remove a stain from wax fabric without damaging the colors?

Dab the stain quickly with cold water and a mild soap, without rubbing, then wash the entire item normally.

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