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Care

Living with indigo.

Indigo is a living dye: it gives off a little color at first, lightens over time and records where it’s used. What follows is general advice; every piece also carries its own care label.

Symbols on the label · Every piece carries its own care label.

01

The first washes

  • Wash the first 2–3 times on its own, or only with dark colors.
  • Turn covers inside out and close the zip.
  • Cold water (86 °F / 30 °C max), delicate cycle, low spin.
  • Use a color detergent without bleach or optical brighteners.
  • Blue water in the first wash is normal.

02

Color transfer onto pale surfaces

  • Dark and raw denim can leave color on a pale sofa, white sheets or light clothes in the first weeks. This is called crocking.
  • Avoid constant rubbing against light upholstery at first; put a cloth in between if needed.
  • Don’t let it touch pale surfaces while wet or damp.
  • If color transfers, act quickly with cold water and a color-safe stain remover; test on a hidden spot first.
  • It drops off noticeably after a few washes.

03

Fading

  • Sun, friction and washing lighten indigo. That’s not a defect — it’s the nature of the dye.
  • For an even fade, rotate cushions now and then and keep them out of direct sun.
  • If you want real character, do the opposite: use it.
  • Washing inside out keeps the surface color longer.

04

Drying and ironing

  • Hang or lay flat to dry in the shade; tumble drying causes shrinkage and creases.
  • Shape it while still slightly damp.
  • Iron on the reverse at medium heat — pressing the face directly can leave a shine.

05

Upholstery, rugs and curtains

  • Vacuum fixed upholstery regularly with a soft brush head.
  • Blot spills with a damp cloth — don’t rub; for larger areas, professional dry cleaning is best.
  • Vacuum rugs and blot liquids straight away. Our flatweave runners up to 2.5 × 8 ft can be machine washed cold on gentle; larger rugs go to a professional rug cleaner.
  • Unlined curtains: machine wash cold, gentle, hang to dry. Lined and blackout curtains: dry clean only.

How indigo ages

The same cushion: new, after a year, after a few years. Illustrative only; the real pace depends on use.

More: Why indigo ages well →

  1. 00 · New

    UB-F02 Mid blue, soft

  2. 01 · 1 year

    UB-F02 Light fading along seams

  3. 02 · A few years

    UB-F02 A warm, grayish blue