
A Modern Guide to Caring for Japanese Textiles
Imagine the rhythmic sound of water, the woody scent of drying boards, and the careful hands of araiyā at work, preserving the beauty of kimono through araihari—a time-honoured technique of washing and restoring. While their methods may seem like practices from a bygone era, their principles offer timeless lessons in sustainable fashion.
The legacy of araihari remains more relevant than ever. Every kimono tells a story, connecting artist to wearer, wearer to family, and Japan’s cultural heritage at large. Yet, many kimono are overlooked due to misconceptions around care or minor flaws like small stains or tears.
This blog aims to demystify kimono care, blending traditional methods with practical modern techniques to help you confidently maintain and enjoy these traditional textiles, even those made with silk or with signs of wear.
Araiyā: Masters of Kimono Washing
The araiyā were artisans who practiced araihari (洗い張り), a method rooted in two verbs: arau (wash) and haru (stretch). This meticulous process preserved the intricate weaves and vibrant dyes of kimono, allowing them to be reused time and again.
Each kimono was carefully deconstructed, then washed with natural soaps, seaweed and rice starches. The fabric panels were then stretched on delicate bamboo frames or wooden boards to dry. Once dried, the fabric would be mended, then remade into kimono or stored as bolts for future use. At the end of its wearable life, kimono were transformed—into storage bags, cleaning rags, and eventually burned and returned to earth as ash.
Today, araiyā still exist, though their expertise is now primarily reserved for formal, ceremonial, or heirloom kimono. Their craft reflects a lasting philosophy: textiles are treasures—not disposable commodities, contrasting with today’s throwaway culture.
Curious about how their legacy inspires modern care? Dive deeper in my Substack article, “The Araiyā’s Legacy,” where I share my personal connection to their philosophy.
Applying Araihari in Modern Life
While traditional araihari techniques may no longer fit modern lifestyles, their essence—deliberation, care, and resourcefulness— remain deeply relevant. These principles invite us to rethink how we interact with clothing, especially kimono, blending tradition with practicality.
Whether you’ve inherited a kimono, found one second-hand, or purchased it for its beauty, these garments deserve thoughtful care. Even pieces with small stains, tears, or signs of wear hold incredible creative potential.
• Revive with Gentle Techniques: A simple wash using silk-safe methods can refresh kimono fabrics and extend their life, reducing textile waste.
• Celebrate Imperfections: Stains or tears? Embrace the philosophy of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in imperfection—and explore creative ways to repair or transform damaged areas.
• Reimagine and Repurpose: A kimono’s fabric isn’t limited to its original form. Sleeves can become bags, stained sections can inspire embroidery projects, and remnants can become artful home décor.
Through these mindful practices, we honour both the legacy of kimono and araiyā, giving kimono a new purpose, staying true to the sustainable values of araihari.
Kimono care isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. By keeping these textiles in circulation, we preserve not only their beauty but the cultural traditions they represent.
Tips for Modern Kimono Care
How can we wash kimono at home, including those made of silk? Can they be washed without deconstructing?When washing machines were introduced in the late 19th century, laundry care was revolutionised, freeing women from labor-intensive washing. Today, this innovation simplifies kimono care—if used thoughtfully.
Step-by-Step Kimono Care at Home
Hand-Washing Silk Kimono
This is the gentlest method, ideal for preserving delicate or sentimental pieces:
Inspect and Spot-Test the Fabric
Test a small area for dye bleed with silk-safe detergent in lukewarm water. If there’s no bleed, proceed.
Gently Clean
Submerge the kimono and lightly agitate the water. Avoid scrubbing or wringing. A soft fabric brush can be used for stubborn spots.
Rinse and Dry
Rinse thoroughly, then immediately hang evenly along a wooden rod to drip dry, away from direct sunlight.
Optional Ironing
Use the silk setting with a pressing cloth, or steam from the inside with a steam iron for an even gentler option.
Can you Machine Wash a Kimono?
For casual or daily worn kimono, machine washing can be practical:
Choose the Right Cycle
Select a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water.
Protect the Fabric
Fold and place inside a mesh laundry bag to avoid snags.
Use a Mild Detergent
Opt for a silk-safe, fragrance-free detergent.
Drying Options
Air drying is best to maintain shape and texture (not to mention lower impact) but a tumble dryer on a cool setting works if you keep an eye on it.
For more fabric-specific tips visit my Cloth Care page.
FAQs: Kimono Care Concerns
Still have questions?
Here are answers to some common concerns to help you care for your kimono with confidence.
Kimono Washing Tips
What types of kimono can be machine washed? Only kimono intended for casual, daily wear should be machine washed. Avoid placing formal silk kimono, intricate embroidery, hand-painted or gold foiled designs in the washing machine.
How often should kimono be washed? It depends on the fabric and frequency of use. Cotton, hemp, and wool can handle more frequent washing. For casual, daily-use kimono, wash after several wears or as needed. Silk or formal kimono should be washed less frequently—spot cleaning and proper airing can often extend time between washes. Always assess the fabric’s condition and purpose before deciding.
Does machine washing damage silk? When done carefully (gentle cycle, cold water, mesh bag), it can be safe. Test for dye bleed first and wash individually to avoid colour transfer. Some natural dye bleeding is inevitable. Remove promptly and hang immediately after rinsing.
Repairs and Stains
Embracing minor flaws, like small stains or tears reflects the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. What imperfections have you embraced in your kimono? Share your story below!
What can I do about stubborn stains?
Try spot-cleaning with a silk-safe detergent.
Conceal stains with embroidery or sashiko stitching.
Remove the section and upcycle flawed areas into accessories.
Can I repair holes or tears myself? Yes! Patch holes using fabric from inconspicuous sections of the kimono or enhance them with decorative sashiko stitching.
What about significant damage? Consult a professional or contact me to explore my kimono Upcycle Service —a bespoke experience to bring your unique vision and kimono to life through direct collaboration with me.
How do I store kimono properly? Store your kimono in a cool, dry place, folded along natural creases or hang in a well ventilated area if using daily. Use breathable storage bags to prevent mildew and protect them with cedar balls or reused silica packets for pest control.
Common mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach. In some cases oxygen bleach can be okay as it's a natural product but it may react with natural dyes resulting in colour changes —use with caution.
Avoid frequent washing to preserve the integrity of the fabric, especially silk.
Avoid soaking the fabric for extended periods to prevent weakening of the fibers.
Avoid overheating as it may distort the fabric and weaken the fibers, especially silk.
Never iron over hand painted or gold foiled details
Never allow fabric to sit after rinsing as the natural dyes can transfer.
For your peace of mind: Every kimono is one of a kind. Even with the most careful care, unexpected outcomes can occur. Embrace imperfections as part of the journey —it’s far better to wear and enjoy these treasures than to leave them unused.
Kimono Care Made Simple
With the right tools and patience, anyone can honour the legacy of the araiyā. Whether you’re a collector, maker, or simply drawn to their beauty, you can confidently care for and celebrate these textiles—preserving while making them your own.
How do you care for your kimono? What’s worked for you, or what challenges have you faced? Share your stories in the comments, or feel free to reach out for guidance—I’d love to hear from you. Let's keep kimono in circulation together and build on their stories with chapters of our own.
What would you like to see next on this topic?
Explore More:
Whether you’re starting your kimono journey or looking for creative ways to extend their life, I invite you to explore how I breathe new life into these treasures through My Sustainable Designs. For more stories, tips, and insights, subscribe to The Spherule —my newsletter where I weave cultural heritage into sustainable creations.
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