There’s nothing quite like a beautiful Ankara print — bold patterns, vibrant colors, and cultural elegance all woven into one piece. But if you don’t care for your Ankara fabrics properly, those colors can fade fast, and the fabric may wear out long before it should.
Whether it’s a bespoke piece or your favorite ready-to-wear dress, caring for Ankara is essential to maintaining its beauty and durability. In this post, you’ll learn simple but powerful tips to help wash, preserve, and protect your Ankara fabrics for the long haul.
1. Always Pre-Wash New Ankara Fabrics (Before Sewing or Wearing)
Most Ankara fabrics come with factory-applied wax or dye residues that can cause bleeding or shrinkage. Before taking your fabric to the tailor or wearing your ready-made piece, give it a gentle first wash.
How to pre-wash:
- Soak the fabric in cold or lukewarm water for about 30 minutes.
- Add a small amount of salt or white vinegar to lock in the colors.
- Rinse gently and hang to air dry.
🧺 This single step can prevent major color disasters later.
2. Hand-Wash with Care (Avoid Harsh Scrubbing)
Ankara fabrics are delicate and should be treated with love. Hand-washing is the best method, especially for bright, multi-colored prints.
Washing tips:
- Use cold or lukewarm water.
- Add a mild detergent (avoid bleach or strong chemicals).
- Gently rub the fabric — avoid twisting or scrubbing hard.
- Rinse thoroughly.
💡 Never soak Ankara overnight — it weakens the fabric and fades the dye.
3. Avoid Using a Washing Machine (Unless Absolutely Necessary)
Washing machines may be quick, but the spin cycle can be too harsh on Ankara, especially for tailor-made outfits with detailed stitches or accessories.
If you must use a machine:
- Turn the fabric inside out.
- Use the “delicate” or “hand-wash” setting.
- Put Ankara pieces in a mesh laundry bag.
- Use cold water and a mild detergent.
4. Don’t Sun-Dry Directly — Shade Is Better
Direct sunlight fades Ankara colors fast. Always dry in the shade or indoors where air can circulate.
Drying tips:
- Hang garments inside out.
- Avoid hanging on rusty wires or rough surfaces.
- Never use a dryer — heat shrinks and weakens Ankara.
☀️ Ankara loves the shade more than the sun.
5. Iron on the Reverse Side with Moderate Heat
Ironing helps Ankara stay crisp and fresh, but direct heat on the print can dull its color.
Best practice:
- Always iron on the inside (reverse side).
- Use moderate to low heat.
- For extra protection, place a cotton cloth between the fabric and iron.
6. Store Ankara Clothes Properly
How you store your Ankara matters, especially if you want to preserve the print.
Storage tips:
- Fold neatly and avoid hanging pieces with heavy accessories.
- Keep in a dry place to prevent moisture damage.
- Avoid storing in nylon bags — use fabric garment bags or open shelves.
7. Be Cautious with Dry Cleaning
Some Ankara styles may require dry cleaning (especially with lining or embroidery), but not all dry cleaners are experienced with African fabrics. Ask first!
What to check:
- Do they understand how to handle wax prints?
- Will they use chemicals that might ruin the dye?
If in doubt, hand-wash yourself — it’s safer.
8. Refresh Worn-Out Ankara with Simple Tricks
If your Ankara fabric starts to fade or wear out:
- Pair with a bold plain fabric to revive the look.
- Add lace or chiffon panels to give it a new vibe.
- Use fabric dye or reline older pieces to restore structure.
Conclusion: Love Your Ankara, and It Will Love You Back
Ankara is more than just fashion — it’s expression, identity, and heritage. Treat it with care, and it will reward you with years of colorful beauty. Whether you’re washing a beloved outfit or prepping a new piece, these care tips will keep your wardrobe bold and timeless.
