Kimono care

その他

Today, I’d like to write about how to take care of your kimono.

Kimonos

Silk Kimono

For silk kimonos, I believe it’s best to have them cleaned by a specialized kimono cleaning service. This is especially true for awase kimonos (those with a lining), as I strongly recommend avoiding washing them at home.

The reason is that the outer fabric and the lining are usually made of different materials, which shrink at different rates when washed. This difference in shrinkage can lead to uneven hems and other issues.

There’s a video showing the results of washing a kimono at home, which you might find interesting.

Can Washable Kimonos Really Be Washed?

Polyester Kimonos That Can’t Be Washed

Interestingly, even kimonos labeled as “washable” can experience similar problems when washed at home.

Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures of the post-wash results, but I noticed shifts in the hems and sleeves, making the edges look baggy.

A friend who is learning kimono sewing helped me re-sew it, but it turned out that while the fabric was labeled “washable,” it was better not to wash it. I was told that the outer material shrank significantly. Just for reference, it was a chirimen-style fabric.

If this can happen with “washable” materials, it goes without saying that silk kimonos, which are much more delicate, should definitely be handled with care. While cleaning kimonos tends to be more expensive than for regular clothes, I think it’s wise to leave it to the professionals.

Polyester Kimonos That Can Be Washed

For polyester kimonos, which are clearly safe to wash, I believe it’s fine to wash them at home. I personally wash those that feel like they can handle the wash cycle quite frequently.

My standard is that if the fabric has a certain stiffness, I’ve had no issues washing it. If you’re unsure, even with polyester, consulting a kimono cleaning service is a good idea. The shock of damaging your favorite kimono is immeasurable.

Cotton and Wool Kimono

Other materials include cotton and wool, which are usually more commonly made as hitoe (single-layer). You might consider the characteristics of each material and decide based on how you care for your everyday clothes.

According to information I found online, cotton yukatas can be hung to dry without spinning them, which helps prevent wrinkles (the weight of the water helps smooth out the fabric). Smart!

Parts of a Kimono That Are Prone to Stains

Coller

When looking at recycled kimonos, the areas that tend to get dirty the most are usually the collar, chest area, sleeves, and hems.

The collar easily picks up foundation stains, especially when I twist my neck to check the back during dressing. Some people quickly deal with collar stains at home, and there’s a video that explains how to do this.

I found a product at the pharmacy that I bought for this purpose.

I haven’t used it yet, but I plan to report back once I try it.

Chest

Stains around the chest area often occur during meals.

There are also items available that function like aprons.

Additionally, there are clips designed to secure a furoshiki at the collar.

I usually insert a slightly larger furoshiki cloth above the obi to cover up to my knees.

discoloration

For stains caused by spills or discoloration from aging, I think it’s best to have them cleaned by a professional. Prices vary from store to store, but generally, the method involves examining the actual item to provide a quote based on the size, stubbornness of the stain, and the total number of stains.

It’s not cheap, so sometimes it’s reasonable to think, “I can live with the invisible parts.”

Beware of Mold

However, if there’s mold, it could affect other items or kimonos stored together, so I personally believe it’s important to address mold issues right away.

Caring for Silk Kimonos

Silk kimonos have several care considerations. Typically, it’s recommended to air them out before storage after wearing.

Kimonos are susceptible to moisture, so this helps prevent mold growth. During this time, it’s also advisable to check for any stains.

Prompt action is essential when you spot a stain. When drying, you can do so indoors, but make sure to choose a shady spot to prevent discoloration.

My dressing instructor advised that drying for about an hour is sufficient. By the way, fluorescent lights can also cause discoloration; I saw a kimono that had been affected by fluorescent light in a recycled kimono store. Purples tend to discolor more easily.

Mushi-Boshi

A traditional practice in kimono care is called “mushi-boshi,” which involves airing out kimonos on a clear day in a well-ventilated shady spot.

However, given the length of kimonos, it can be challenging without enough space. In such cases, simply opening the drawers where you store your kimonos to let in some air can also be effective.

I want to do as much care as I can to keep my kimonos beautiful for a long time.

(While I say this, the reality is that I haven’t been able to do it much due to my storage methods and space.)

Beware of Water

Additionally, kimonos can get stained with water. If you spill something while eating, avoid wiping it with a damp towel or wet cloth, as this will only spread the stain or leave water marks, making things worse. If a liquid gets on it, gently press a dry towel on the stain to avoid spreading it further.

Obi Care

Silk Obi

For silk obis, it’s advisable to leave them to professionals as well. I’ve washed a few remade obis, but they often shrank or got wrinkled.

My Experiment Washing Hakata-Ori Fabric

This is a Hakata-ori obi I purchased secondhand. It was a single-layer obi, so I tried washing it by hand. After handwashing, I briefly spun it in the washing machine for about two minutes and then air-dried it.

Photo Before Washing:
This is how the obi looked before washing.

Photo After Washing and Air-Drying:
Wrinkles appeared, particularly in the woven sections, as expected.

Photo After Ironing:


Surprisingly, ironing smoothed out most of the wrinkles. I didn’t use a pressing cloth, so it looks like some parts turned a bit white, and there’s a slight worn texture in spots.

Still, it seems perfectly wearable for casual outings or dance practice.

Note: I tried this with the mindset that it could be a loss if it didn’t go well. For valuable obi, it’s best to have a professional cleaner handle them.

polyester obi

For polyester obis, I wash them at home. However, keep in mind that depending on the thinness and material, wrinkles might occur, so try hanging them before spinning to prevent that.

Obi Age and Obi Cord

Some people wash their obi age and obi cord by hand at home. There are also care methods for them shared on YouTube.

I’ve only washed the obi age I purchased for remaking, and I didn’t encounter any significant issues. There are special detergents for silk, so that might be a good option to use.

There’s also a method involving cleaning them with benzene or lighter fluid instead of washing them. This method is introduced in a video, which I haven’t tried myself, but it seems convenient.

I haven’t tried washing obi cords yet. A friend told me that they tend to shrink.

In conclusion, I’ve shared some basic methods for kimono care.

I’ll report back when I acquire new information or conduct my own experiments!

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