How to Clean and Maintain a Handcrafted Romanian Blouse

How to Clean and Maintain a Handcrafted Romanian Blouse (Ie)

What is a Romanian Blouse (Ie)?

Romanian blouses, or “ii”, are traditional garments rich in cultural significance, typically handcrafted with intricate embroidery. They are an essential part of Romanian folk costume, made with great attention to detail and care. Because they are entirely handmade, they require special care to preserve their delicate fabrics and embroidery.

Here is The Romanian Blouse (Ie) - A Guide to Traditional Romanian Embroidery

Cleaning and Maintaining New Romanian Blouses (Handcrafted After 1970)

For this guide, we focus on newer handcrafted Romanian blouses made after 1970, when industrial fabric began to replace the sturdier homemade cloth used in earlier garments. The newer blouses are usually made from fine cotton or linen fabrics, embroidered with silk, cotton thread, or acrylic yarn.

The delicate nature of these materials requires specific cleaning techniques to keep the blouse in good condition for years to come.

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How to Properly Wash a New Romanian Blouse

  1. Hand Wash or Gentle Machine Wash:
    New Romanian blouses must be washed either by hand or on a delicate setting in the washing machine. Always use lukewarm water for washing.

  2. Use Gentle Detergents:
    Choose mild detergents specifically made for delicate fabrics. Avoid detergents containing chlorine or bleach, as they can discolor embroidery, damage the fabric, and degrade silk threads.

  3. Use a Laundry Bag:
    If using a washing machine, place the blouse in a laundry bag for delicate items. This prevents the tassels at the sleeves and neckline from getting tangled or damaged in the wash. It also protects the fine fabric from getting caught on buttons or zippers of other clothes.

  4. Avoid Automatic Drying:
    Never use a tumble dryer for your Romanian blouse. Instead, hang it on a hanger and air dry it in a well-ventilated area. Letting it dry naturally preserves the fabric's integrity.

Recap: Best Practices for Maintaining New Romanian Blouses (Post-1970)

  1. Washing: Use lukewarm water and wash by hand or select the delicate cycle on your machine.
  2. Detergents: Use only mild detergents without bleach or harsh chemicals.
  3. Laundry Bag: Always place the blouse in a delicate laundry bag if using a washing machine.
  4. Drying: Air-dry the blouse on a hanger; never use a tumble dryer.
  5. Ironing: Some blouses don’t need ironing, while others may require it. If ironing, turn the blouse inside out and use a low-temperature setting.
  6. Avoid Ironing Sequins: Blouses with celluloid sequins should not be ironed, as the heat will melt the sequins.

Quality and Longevity

Each Romanian blouse is a timeless piece, handcrafted over 6 weeks to several months. The high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship ensure that these garments stand the test of time. With proper care, your Romanian blouse can last for decades and become a treasured heirloom passed down through generations.

Romanian blouses, much like fine wine, become more valuable and rare with age. By following the care guidelines above, you can preserve the beauty and integrity of your blouse for years to come. Here you can shop new handmade Romanian blouses : Shop Romanian Blouses