Mulmul is the most delicate fabric in our range — and also the one customers love the most. We get more care questions about mulmul dohars than about all our other products combined. Here is the complete washing and care guide that we have developed from fifteen years of working with this fabric.
The First Wash: Setting the Foundation
Your mulmul dohar will shrink by 3-5% after the first wash. This is normal and expected — we account for this in our sizing. Do not panic. Wash it alone (not with other garments) in cold water (below 30°C) on a gentle or delicate cycle. Use a mild liquid detergent — avoid powder detergents as the granules can lodge in the open weave and cause abrasion. Do not use fabric softener on the first wash; the natural cotton fibres need to bloom and loosen on their own.
After the first wash, remove the dohar immediately from the machine (do not let it sit wet for hours) and shake it out gently to reset the layers. Line-dry in shade — direct sunlight can cause uneven colour fading on printed mulmul. Once dry, you will notice the fabric feels softer and more pliant than it did out of the packaging. This softening will continue with every subsequent wash.
Regular Washing: The Weekly Routine
Wash your mulmul dohar every 7-10 days during heavy summer use. Use cold water, gentle cycle, mild liquid detergent. You can wash it with similar-coloured lightweight garments, but avoid mixing with heavy items like jeans or towels — the friction will cause premature pilling. Never use bleach. If you need to remove a stain, spot-treat it with a mild stain remover before putting it in the machine.
For hand washing: soak in cold water with a capful of liquid detergent for 15-20 minutes. Swirl gently — do not scrub, twist, or wring. Drain, rinse with clean cold water twice, and press out excess water by rolling the dohar in a dry towel. Then line-dry in shade.
Drying: The Step Most People Get Wrong
Never tumble-dry a mulmul dohar on high heat. The heat can shrink the fabric further, damage the print, and cause the stitching between layers to pucker. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting (air-dry or delicate) and remove it while still slightly damp. Lay it flat or hang it to finish drying naturally.
The ideal drying method: hang it over a clothesline or drying rack in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Spread it evenly so the three layers dry at the same rate. In Ahmedabad’s summer, a mulmul dohar dries in 2-3 hours this way.
Ironing: Optional but Nice
Mulmul does not need ironing — the fabric’s natural crinkle is part of its charm. But if you prefer a smooth finish, iron on low heat (cotton setting, no steam) while the dohar is still slightly damp. Iron on the reverse side to protect the print. Do not press hard; let the weight of the iron do the work.
Storage: Monsoon and Off-Season
When storing mulmul dohars for the monsoon or winter months, make sure they are completely clean and fully dry. Fold loosely — tight folding can create permanent crease lines in delicate mulmul. Store in a cotton or muslin bag (not plastic — trapped moisture can cause mildew). Add a few neem leaves or a lavender sachet to discourage insects. Store in a dry cupboard away from direct sunlight.
Every 4-6 weeks during storage, take the dohar out, shake it, and refold in a different direction. This prevents permanent fold marks and keeps the fibres from compressing.
When to Replace
A well-maintained mulmul dohar lasts 3-4 seasons of heavy summer use (roughly 200-250 washes). Signs that it is time for a new one: thinning of the fabric at fold points, visible holes where the weave has separated, or a loss of the soft drape that makes mulmul special. If the print has faded significantly but the fabric is still intact, you can continue using it — faded mulmul has a charm of its own.