Dos & Don’ts When Cleaning Macrame

Cleaning your macrame is a relatively straightforward process. However, there are a few dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind while cleaning your macrame to ensure it stays in good condition. Here’s a list of points you should consider:

• Keep Them Away From Sunlight: You should always keep your macrame away from direct sunlight as it can cause the fibers to become hard and discolored. If you intend to hang plant pots from your macrame, you should ensure they’re indoor plants that can survive indirect sunlight.
• Hand Wash Your Macrame: Always hand wash your macrame as attempting to wash it in a washing machine will cause irreversible damage to its fibers.
• Don’t Wring Your Macrame: Macrame fibers are soft and fragile. Attempting to wring your macrame to get excess water out during the cleaning process will cause these fibers to warp or tear.
• Don’t Use Bleach: Bleach will destroy your macrame’s fibers or cause discoloration. For this reason, you should never use bleach to clean your macrame. Always opt for milder and gentler solutions instead.
• Don’t Use a Vacuum Cleaner: It can be tempting to use a vacuum cleaner to get dust and dirt out of your macrame, but this machine’s strong suction power could damage the macrame’s fabric. For this reason, you should stick to shaking your macrame or brushing it to get dust and dirt off.

Sirinan is a self-proclaimed cleanaholic and the editor-in-chief of Cleaney. Apart from coming with up creative ways to keep her living spaces clean and tidy, she loves to read on rainy days.

Cleaning Macrame: Maintaining the Beauty of Your Creations

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your macrame looking its best. While washing is a more thorough process, simple cleaning practices can prevent the buildup of dirt and dust and address minor stains or spills. Here’s how to clean your macrame effectively:

Regular Dusting and Spot Cleaning:

1. The Need for Regular Dusting:

– Macrame pieces, especially those displayed in open areas, can accumulate dust and airborne particles over time.

– Regular dusting helps prevent dirt from settling into the fibres and maintains the macrame’s overall cleanliness.

2. Using a Soft Brush or Cloth:

– For routine cleaning, start by gently shaking your macrame piece to dislodge loose dust and dirt.

– Next, use a soft-bristle brush or a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe the surface of the macrame.

– Lightly brush or wipe in the direction of the knots and cords to avoid tangling or damaging the fibres.

Addressing Specific Stains or Spills:

3. Immediate Action:

– If you notice a spill or stain on your macrame, act promptly to prevent it from setting.

– Blot the stain gently with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Do not rub, as this may push the stain deeper into the fibres.

4. Spot Cleaning:

– For water-soluble stains like coffee or tea, you can create a mild cleaning solution. Mix a few drops of mild detergent in lukewarm water.

– Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution, wring it out thoroughly, and then gently dab the stained area.

– Continue blotting until the stain is no longer visible, then rinse the area with clean water and blot dry.

5. Addressing Non-Water-Soluble Stains:

– For stains like oil, grease, or ink, it’s best to consult a professional cleaner who specialises in delicate textiles.

– Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents, as they can damage the natural fibres of macrame.

6. Preventive Measures:

– To minimise the risk of spills and stains, consider placing your macrame in areas less prone to accidents or splashes.

– If your macrame is used for plant hangers, use drip trays or saucers to catch excess water from plants.

By incorporating regular dusting and spot cleaning into your macrame care routine, you can maintain the cleanliness and appearance of your cherished creations. Remember to always handle your macrame with care and use gentle cleaning methods to ensure its longevity.

Wash The Macrame

Now that you have removed all the stains on your macrame, it is time to wash it. To do this, you simply need to prepare a cleaning solution in a bucket. We recommend partially filling your bucket with lukewarm water and then adding a few drops of mild detergent.

Once you remove your clean macrame from the bucket, you should inspect it and look for any tangles. You can use a large tooth comb to comb out these tangles before the drying process starts.

Allowing a tangled macrame to dry is a bad idea because it is difficult to undo tangles once the fabric has dried. Furthermore, the tassels may firm up after drying causing them to look frayed.

Basic Macrame Knots: Step by Step

Below are four basic knots to get you started. You can make so many things with just these basic knots under your belt. Keychains, bookmarks, placemats, macrame bracelets, macrame knot wall hangings, plant and jar hangers, etc.

So first we need to go grab some Macrame cord. I like this cording. But Amazon has TONS of options for good macrame cording. And don’t forget that you can get all sorts of colors too. Read the reviews and find what works for you.

Then, we need to get a hoop, a stick or a ring. Something like this to attach your cord to. Let’s get started with our knots …