Care Guide
Caring for Your Rivarna
A Rivarna piece is not fast fashion. It is a work of art made to last a lifetime — but only with the care it deserves. These instructions are not suggestions. They are the difference between a garment that ages beautifully and one that doesn't.
Silk
Washing
Hand wash only in cold water (below 30°C) using a pH-neutral silk detergent. Never use regular laundry detergent — the alkaline content will strip the natural lustre and degrade the paint.
Drying
Roll gently in a clean white towel to remove excess water. Never wring or twist. Lay flat on a dry towel away from direct sunlight. Do not tumble dry.
Ironing
Iron on the reverse side only, on the lowest silk setting, while slightly damp. Place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric. Never iron directly over painted areas.
Storage
Store folded in acid-free tissue paper inside a breathable cotton bag. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and cause yellowing. Keep away from direct light.
Never Use
- Bleach or whitening agents
- Dry cleaning solvents
- Direct sunlight for extended periods
- Rough surfaces that can snag the weave
Cotton & Linen
Washing
Hand wash in cool water (below 30°C) with a gentle, colour-safe detergent. Machine washing is not recommended for painted pieces — the agitation can cause micro-cracking in the paint layer over time.
Drying
Reshape while damp and dry flat or hang on a padded hanger. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade both the fabric and the pigments. Do not tumble dry on high heat.
Ironing
Iron on medium heat on the reverse side. For areas with heavy paint application, use a pressing cloth. Steam ironing is acceptable but keep the iron moving — do not hold in one place.
Storage
Fold along natural lines to avoid permanent creasing. Store in a cool, dry place. Cedar blocks can be used to deter moths — avoid mothballs, which leave residue that can react with natural dyes.
Never Use
- Hot water washes
- Harsh stain removers applied directly to painted areas
- Prolonged soaking
- Tumble drying on high heat
Scarves & Wraps
Washing
Spot clean where possible. For full washes, hand wash in cold water with a capful of gentle detergent. Swirl gently — do not scrub or rub painted sections.
Drying
Lay flat on a clean towel. Gently smooth out any creases by hand while damp. Never hang a wet scarf by one end — the weight of the water can distort the weave.
Ironing
Iron on the lowest setting appropriate for the fabric, always on the reverse. For silk scarves, use a pressing cloth and minimal pressure.
Storage
Roll loosely rather than folding to prevent permanent crease lines. Store in a silk or cotton pouch. Avoid hanging for long periods, which can stretch delicate weaves.
Never Use
- Rubbing painted areas against rough surfaces
- Perfume or hairspray contact (spray before wearing)
- Washing with other garments that may bleed colour
General Guidance
Tips for Every Piece
First Wash
Before the first wash, soak the garment in cold water with a tablespoon of white vinegar for 30 minutes. This helps set the natural dyes and prevents any initial colour bleed.
Stain Treatment
Act quickly. Blot — never rub — with a clean white cloth. For oil-based stains, apply a small amount of cornstarch, leave for 10 minutes, then brush away gently before washing. Never apply stain remover directly to painted areas.
Colour Preservation
Turn garments inside out before washing. Store away from direct light. The natural dyes used in Rivarna pieces are light-sensitive — even indirect sunlight over time can cause gradual fading.
Professional Care
For heavily soiled pieces or stubborn stains, consult a specialist dry cleaner experienced with hand-painted or naturally dyed textiles. Always inform them of the fabric type and that the piece contains hand-applied pigments.
Longevity
With proper care, a Rivarna piece will last decades. The pigments we use are archival-grade — the same quality used in fine art conservation. The fabric, not the paint, is typically what shows age first.
Repairs
Minor paint chips or fabric damage can often be repaired by our studio. Contact us with photographs and we will advise on the best course of action. We stand behind every piece we make.
Still have questions?
Our studio team is happy to advise on the care of your specific piece. Reach out with your order number and we'll respond within 24 hours.
Contact the Studio