How to take care of your raffia item?
Raffia is a natural, light and breathable material made from palm leaves, appreciated for its organic texture and artisanal charm. As it is a living plant fiber that can become deformed or weakened if it is soaked, a few simple steps can preserve its beauty and durability over time.
Washing
- Do not machine wash your item or immerse it in water. To clean, gently wipe the surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth or a soft-bristle brush to remove dust.
- In the event of a stain, clean locally immediately with cold water and a drop of mild soap, rubbing gently in the direction of the braiding.
Rinsing
- Careful tapping with a clean cloth dampened with cold water is the secret to removing soap residue, ensuring the plant fibers remain strong, supple and free of white streaks.
Drying
- Choose drying in the open air, flat in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat and intense sunlight which could dry out the fiber and make it brittle.
- To preserve the shape of hats or bags while drying, gently stuff them with neutral tissue paper or a soft towel.
Ironing
- Ironing is not necessary. On the other hand, if your item has warped, you can use a steamer at close range to lightly dampen the fiber and then reshape it by hand. Let it dry completely in its corrected form.
- Dry cleaning should be avoided for natural raffia.
The small gestures that make the difference
Never immerse raffia in water or machine wash it.
Avoid carrying objects that are too heavy in your raffia bags so as not to relax the braiding
Store your item in a cool, dry place, ideally in a breathable cotton pouch when not in use
If exposed to rain, immediately reshape the item and allow it to dry completely flat before storing.
Store away from flames and prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the fiber's natural pigments
