
Introduction
Hemp Fabrics are increasingly popular for their eco-friendly, strong and breathable properties. Fabric made from the stalks of the hemp plant, this natural fabric is praised for its strength and adaptability for a wide variety of applications from apparel to furniture. Furthermore, hemp is antibacterial and moisture wicking, so it’s a perfect option for anyone interested in environmentally friendly materials.
Even with these benefits, hemp fabrics do need to be cared for to keep their individuality intact. Depending on the washing methods and detergents, these materials will become stiff, faded, or degraded in time. The fibres are soft and natural in contrast to synthetic alternatives, and thus can be degraded by aggressive chemicals or wrong washing.
This tutorial will guide you on how to choose hemp cleaning detergents and how to maintain your hemp fabrics soft, comfortable, and durable.
1. Understanding Hemp Fabrics
To properly maintain hemp fabrics, you need to learn about the specificities and obstacles of their fabric.
- Key Properties of Hemp Fabric
Natural and Sustainable:
- Hemp is a natural fiber produced from one of the world’s most sustainable crops.
- It consumes very little water and pesticides in the growing season, and it enriches the soil where it thrives.
Durable and Long-Lasting:
- Hemp textiles are strong enough to outlast cotton and synthetic materials.
- They soften with every wash if they’re taken care of properly.
Breathable and Moisture-Wicking:
Hemp naturally keeps temperature at a controlled level and wicks moisture away, so you can stay dry in hot or cold weather.
Antimicrobial Properties:
Hemp is naturally resistant to bacteria and smell, meaning you don’t have to constantly wash it.
- Challenges in Cleaning Hemp Fabrics
While robust, hemp cloth is prone to certain problems if not properly washed:
Stiffness:
When hemp is not softened properly, it tends to stiffen up when it is washed in hard water.
Fiber Damage:
Bad detergents, hot water or aggressive drying will cause the fibers to break or fray.
Discoloration:
- Bleach, optical brighteners or prolonged sunlight will darken and deteriorate hemp’s natural appearance.
- Using the correct detergents and cleaning techniques can mitigate these issues and keep your hemp fabrics comfortable and beautiful for years to come.
Also Read : How to Keep Hemp Clothing Soft and Comfortable
2. Specifications of Hemp Fabric Detergents
There are several different types of detergents available. There are many things you need to consider when choosing a detergent for hemp fabrics to ensure the product is not only efficient, but it also doesn’t hurt the fabric.
Mild and Eco-Friendly Detergents
Hemp is a natural fibre, and toxic chemicals may undermine its strength. Avoid detergents with:
- Bleach: Drys out hemp fibers and can turn a brown color.
- Synthetic Parfums: These chemicals may leave residue that makes the fabric brittle.
- Optical Brighteners: They’re often used to make clothes whiter, but they’re harmful to natural fibers.
Biodegradable and Non-Toxic
Detergents should conform to hemp’s sustainable philosophy:
- Bio-based Ingredients: Avoid using products that use petroleum-based surfactants or dyes.
- Safe for the Environment: Choose biodegradable formulations to minimize your impacts on the water and aquatic ecosystems.
pH-Balanced Formulas
Hemp fibers flourish under neutral or slightly acidic conditions:
- Comfortable on Fibers: Do not use detergents with a high pH, which can eventually degrade the fibers.
- Balanced Cleaning: Works to remove dirt and oils without destroying the natural softness of the fabric.
Low-Residue Detergents
The residue will stifle hemp textiles and inhibit their breathability:
- Rinse clean: Detergents should come off easily and be completely rinsed.
- Deters Accumulation: Avoids dull or stiff fabrics caused by detergent build-up.
3. Best Detergents for Cleaning Hemp Fabrics
Choosing the right detergent is crucial for preserving the softness, durability, and organic appearance of the hemp fabric. As a natural, sustainable fiber, hemp needs little attention in order to keep its special properties intact. Here we will explore the best green detergent brands, natural DIY products, and hemp fabric cleaners that can keep your hemp clothes in tip top shape.
Eco-Friendly Brands
The best, sustainable detergent brands rely on natural, biodegradable ingredients that are safe for your hemp fabrics and the earth. These detergents are designed to clean well without damaging chemicals such as bleach, optical brighteners, and fragrances that strip the fibers and leave a residue that stiffens hemp cloth. Below are some of the top natural detergent brands to use for cleaning hemp fabrics:
1. Seventh Generation
Overview:
Seventh Generation, a popular green brand known for their environmentally-friendly cleaning products such as laundry detergents, has established itself as a leader in its industry. Their formulations are environmentally safe and provide excellent cleaning results.
Key Features:
- Biodegradable Ingredients: Seventh Generation utilizes plant-based surfactants and biodegradable ingredients that clean efficiently and are not harmful to the environment.
- Non-Toxic Chemicals: These detergents do not contain any artificial fragrances, dyes or optical brighteners that can damage natural textiles such as hemp.
- Hypoallergenic: Most of Seventh Generation’s products are hypoallergenic, which is particularly crucial for sensitive skin.
Recommended Product:
Seventh Generation Free & Clear: A non-perfume, plant-based laundry detergent designed to clean hemp fabrics. It’s stain-resistant, but gentle on your skin and the Earth.
2. Biokleen
Overview:
Biokleen is a company committed to providing natural cleaning products that are effective, toxic free, and sustainable. Their detergents contain plant-based ingredients, and contain no synthetic fragrances, colors or preservatives.
Key Features:
- Boosted Concentrate: Biokleen detergents are high in concentrated, which means you consume less detergent per load, less packaging, and a smaller carbon footprint.
- Plant Power Cleaning: Their detergents draw on the cleaning ability of plants such as citrus and eucalyptus, which ensures that the stain is easily removed without wreaking havoc on fragile fabrics.
- No Chemicals: Unlike chlorine bleach, ammonia, or other chemicals, Biokleen keeps the hemp’s natural fibers intact.
Recommended Product:
Biokleen Laundry Liquid: A scented, safe, and natural laundry detergent designed for hemp products. It removes hard-to-pull stains naturally, and is eco-friendly.
3. Ecover
Overview:
Ecover is a Belgian company producing environmentally safe cleaning products from sustainable plant materials. They create their detergents to be green, efficient, and low-impact.
Key Features:
- Biodegradable: All Ecover products are biodegradable in their entirety, so they naturally dissolve into water without polluting the water supply.
- No Harsh Chemicals: Ecover does not contain optical brighteners, chlorine bleach, or fragrance additives, so it is suitable for skin sensitive to natural fibers such as hemp.
- EcoLabels Certified: Ecover’s products are verified by accredited eco-labels, such as the EU Ecolabel and Vegan Society, that offer ecological and ethical standards.
Recommended Product:
- Ecover Zero Laundry Detergent: This mild, fragrance-free detergent is perfect for delicate clothing such as hemp. It’s tough on grime, but not harsh on clothing or the environment.
Natural DIY Options
If you’re looking for something a bit more hands-on, natural DIY alternatives can be just as potent as commercial detergents. These homemade solutions typically make use of everyday household ingredients, that are non-toxic to hemp fabric and green. Here are some homemade detergent recipes for hemp:
1. Baking Soda Detergent
How it Works:
Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that neutralizes smells, smoothes out clothes and discolors surfaces without toxic chemicals.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 1 gallon of water
Directions:
- Stir the baking soda into a gallon of water until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Place this mixture into the washing machine as a pre-soak or detergent substitute.
- You can pour some baking soda right into the drum for added deodorising power.
Benefits for Hemp Fabrics:
- Wets hemp textiles organically and eliminates stiffness.
- Deodorizes and freshens your clothes.
- Light and environmentally safe.
2. Castile Soap Solution
How it Works:
Castile soap is a vegetable soap extracted from olive oil that cleans hemp fabrics gently and efficiently. It’s an awesome alternative to traditional detergents since it’s toxic free, biodegradable, and doesn’t contain synthetic chemicals.
Ingredients:
- 14 cup of liquid castile soap
- 1 gallon of warm water
- (Optional) 10-12 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree)
Directions:
- The castile soap should be mixed with warm water in a bowl and stirred.
- You can add essential oils if you like.
- Put this solution in your washing machine as an alternative to regular detergent.
Benefits for Hemp Fabrics:
- Castile soap is gentle and does not strip the natural oils from hemp fibers.
- Allows the fabric to maintain its texture and durability over time.
- Environmentally friendly, safe for sensitive skin.
3. Vinegar Rinse
How it Works:
White vinegar is a natural softener and can eliminate the residue of detergent, which tends to stiffen hemp fabrics.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- Water (for rinsing)
Directions:
- Place the vinegar into your washing machine’s rinse cycle.
- That vinegar will give it a natural feel and make it soft.
Benefits for Hemp Fabrics:
- Refreshing natural fabric softener that restores suppleness to hemp fibers.
- Cleans away detergent residue that can cause stiffness.
- Environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Specialized Fabric Detergents
In addition to eco-friendly brands and natural home remedies, specialty fabric cleaners are created for sensitive and natural fabrics such as hemp. Such detergents are designed to gently clean but not strip away the fabric permanently. Some hemp-friendly fabric cleaners that are perfect for hemp include the following:
1. The Laundress Delicate Wash
Overview:
The Laundress is a premium, eco-friendly cleaning brand. They offer delicate wash for soft cloth, like hemp, silk, and wool.
Key Features:
- Care For Delicate Fabrics: This detergent is designed especially for fabrics with a delicate feel, such as hemp, to maintain their softness and prevent the fabric from drying out.
- Aromatherapy: It is perfumed with essential oils to keep your clothing fresh and natural.
- Non-Toxic and Biodegradable: The formula does not contain harmful chemicals and is non-toxic to the environment.
Benefits for Hemp Fabrics:
- Protects the natural fibers and prevents wear and tear.
- Keeps hemp clothing moist and comfortable to the touch.
- Protects the authentic feel and texture of hemp textiles.
2. Woolite Delicates
Overview:
Woolite is an iconic brand that specializes in cleaning fine fabric. Their Delicates detergent is compatible with hemp clothing and other natural fabrics.
Key Features:
- Soft on Fabrics: This detergent cleans delicate textiles without causing harm.
- Keeps Woolite Delicates from Shrinking: Woolite Delicates helps to keep hemp garments in the right size and shape.
- No Unsafe Chemicals: It contains no bleach or optical brighteners and is non-toxic to hemp fabrics.
Benefits for Hemp Fabrics:
- Prevents breakage of fiber and keeps hemp flexible.
- Fabrics keep hemp fabric smooth and breathable.
- Minimizes color bleed-through.
4. How to Wash Hemp Fabrics With Detergents
It’s not just a matter of selecting the right detergent, it’s also a matter of washing it correctly to keep hemp clothes in top condition. Washing Hemp Clothing Here are some of the most important hemp clothing washing instructions:
Dos and Don’ts
Do:
- Cold or Lukewarm Water: Warm water can swell the fibers of hemp and make them stiff. Make sure you wash it in cold or warm water to avoid damage.
- Turn Hemp Clothes Inside Out: This minimizes wear on outer fibers and also reduces pilling.
- Select the Gentle Cycle: If you have a washing machine, use the gentle cycle to prevent scrubbing the fine hemp fibers.
Don’t:
- Overfill the Washer: Overfilling the washer can lead to the loss of proper cleaning and washing, leaving the detergent residue on the clothing.
- Fabric softener: Many conventional fabric softeners use synthetic chemicals which can damage natural fibers such as hemp.
Dilution and Rinsing
- Do not Overdo Your Detergent: Never use detergent that is not diluted to prevent the soap from clogging the hemp fabric.
- Wash Well: Rinse thoroughly to ensure that the detergent comes off all the way from the fabric to reduce stiffness due to detergent residue.
- Frequency of Washing
- Wash Only If Needed: Hemp fabrics don’t have to be washed on a regular basis. Less frequent washing can keep the fabric softer and healthier.
- Air Dry Wherever Possible: Drying hemp garments air-drys faster than drying them with a dryer, and keeps the fiber soft and durable.
5. Green Friendly: Reducing Emissions from Hemp Fabric Detergents Use in a Sustainable Way
The choice of detergent when it comes to caring for hemp clothes not only affects the durability and feel of your garments, but also has profound environmental impacts. As a naturally sustainable material, hemp requires cleaning to fit its ecological features. In this section, we will explore the benefits of biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents, the water-quality implications of your detergent choices, and how sustainable washing can further reduce your impact. We’ll also talk about the pitfalls you shouldn’t be making to keep your hemp clothing, and the world, as clean as possible.
Environmental Impact of Detergents
The environmental impacts of detergents go unnoticed, yet are essential to keeping ecosystems in balance and preserving our waterways. Most everyday laundry detergents are laced with toxic chemicals and artificial preservatives that are not only harmful to fabrics but also to the environment. It’s difficult to overstate how critical environmentally friendly detergents are for hemp fabrics. Let’s dive into why this is so important and how you can minimise the environmental footprint of your detergent usage.
1. What’s the significance of Using Biodegradable and Phosphate-Free Products?
Biodegradable detergents are intended to degrade in the environment without producing toxic residues. This is significant because conventional detergents can contain phosphates, surfactants and other chemicals that don’t break down as quickly, polluting the environment. Here are the reasons why biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents can make a difference to lessen environmental impact:
a. Biodegradable Detergents:
- Biodegradable: Biodegradable detergents use natural plant based materials that breakdown more quickly and completely in nature than synthetics.
- Low Toxicity: Conventional detergents often contain toxic chemicals that linger in the environment and poison water and animals. Biodegradable detergents don’t pose a threat to aquatic life and decompose in short periods of time, without leaving behind a long-term residue.
- Saving Ecosystems: You can ensure that by using biodegradable detergents, you are avoiding chemicals clogging rivers, lakes, and oceans that will negatively impact aquatic habitats and wildlife.
b. Phosphate-Free Products:
- Beware of Eutrophication: Phosphates are widely applied to laundry detergents to soften water and improve cleaning power. Yet, if phosphates leach into waterways, they also encourage algae growth (a process called eutrophication). This interferes with the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems, denying water creatures access to oxygen and resulting in marine life dying out.
- Conserving Freshwater: phosphate-free detergents preserve freshwater bodies by eliminating the nutrient stress that leads to water body degradation.
c. Non-Toxic Ingredients:
Free of harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach, optical brighteners, and artificial fragrances, detergents help ensure that no harmful chemicals enter the water supply. Such chemicals can wreak havoc on human health and the natural environment, polluting the soil and water.
2. How Your Detergent Choice Impacts Waterways and Ecosystems
The detergent choice for washing hemp textiles goes far beyond personal care. Traditional detergents, with their heavy use of synthetic chemicals, can obliterate waterways and destroy fish. How your detergent choice impacts ecosystems:
a. Waterway Pollution:
Effluent passes through our plumbing, and eventually reaches sewage treatment plants where much of the detergent residue is discarded. Despite advanced treatment, not all chemicals can be removed, especially synthetic detergents. These chemicals can then seep into rivers, lakes and oceans.
b. Impact on Marine Life:
Many of the chemicals used in conventional detergents, such as phosphates and artificial surfactants, can be harmful to marine life. They pollute our waterways, interfere with food webs, and even kill fish and other animals by decreasing oxygen levels.
c. Soil and Groundwater Contamination:
Beyond waterways, detergents leak into the soil and poison groundwater. Decades of exposure to toxic chemicals will wreak havoc on plants and animals that rely on freshwater.
When you choose environmentally friendly detergents, you will make the world a healthier place. These products are created to be environmentally friendly, as they contain natural ingredients that degrade with minimal or no toxic traces.
6. Sustainable Washing Practices
Beyond using the right detergents, sustainable washing practices reduce your footprint even further. Below are a few easy, foolproof ways to wash hemp clothing in a way that is less costly, less wasteful and more environmentally friendly:
1. Conserve Water by Rinsing Large Loads of Washing Machines
Using your washing machine only when full will help save you both water and energy. Load washing ensures that every wash cycle is as efficient as possible, resulting in less cycles and saving you both water and energy.
Benefits of Washing Full Loads:
- Water saving: By washing a full load, you reduce the amount of times your washing machine has to be switched on, saving water. Having one whole load reduces the water used for every garment, which makes it more efficient.
- Full Load Washing : Washing a full load also saves energy because you don’t need to wash several loads. This is especially crucial when dealing with power-hungry machines that require hot water for washing.
- Less Detergent Waste: Washing loads is one way to save on detergent consumption, as well as reducing waste. By not overcrowding the machine, you will ensure the detergent is evenly distributed and not wasted.
2. Heat-Free and Energy-Saving Air-Dry Hemp Fabrics!
Air-drying is both eco-friendly and fabric-friendly, although a dryer can be helpful. Hemp fabrics, especially, need air drying as heat will degrade the natural fibres, making them stiffer over time.
Benefits of Air-Drying:
- Energy Efficiency: You don’t have to use electricity or gas for air-drying, which reduces your energy use. It is one of the best ways to minimize your carbon footprint.
- Material Care: Hemp is very tough but the drying effect can make fibers crack over time. Air-drying maintains the natural softness and stretch of hemp fibers so your clothes can last longer.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: If you air-dry your clothes, you save on the carbon that would be derived from powering electric dryers.
How to Air-Dry Hemp Fabrics:
- Hang in the Shade: Because hemp can oxidize in the sun, hang it in a shaded location to keep it from fading.
- Do Not Stretch: Do not strech hemp garments while hanging them because this will bend them. Use clotheslines or clothes hangers to hold them together.
3. Use Cold Water Washes
Using cold or lukewarm water instead of hot water to wash your hemp is another way to save energy and preserve the environment. Heating hot water takes more energy, which increases electricity usage and greenhouse gas emissions.
What You Get From Using Cold Water When Washing Your Skin:
- Water Savings: Cold water washes will conserve energy and lower your energy costs by avoiding heating water.
- To Protect Fibers from Damage: Hot water can make the fibers shrunken, deformed, or lose their inherent suppleness. Cold water will soften hemp fabrics and will keep them straight.
- Conservation of Detergent Performance: These days, environmentally friendly detergents work well in cold water, which means you don’t have to use hot water to get a thorough clean.
Lessons Learned When Washing Hemp Fabrics.
While it is important to use sustainable practices and natural detergents, some of the mistakes that people make when washing hemp fabric can result in deterioration, brittleness or discolouration. If you keep these mistakes out, your hemp clothes will last longer.
1. Applying Chemical Detergents to Bleach or Optical Brighteners:
Conventional detergents may promise a whiter, brighter fabric, but they can harm hemp fibers. Bleach and optical brighteners are corrosive chemicals that dissolve natural fibers, leaving them dry and weak. These chemicals can also pollute the environment by polluting the water supply.
What to Do:
Make sure to use biodegradable, phosphate-free laundry detergents that are free of bleach or optical brighteners. Make sure to check for tags that say they’re gentle on natural fibers.
2. Skipping Proper Rinsing
Poor washing is a major factor in making the fabric stiff. Detergent residue, which accumulates in the fabric, eventually becomes saggy. That residue also makes your skin itchy.
What to Do:
Make sure to run another rinse cycle if needed to get rid of any soap residue. Hemp cloths should not be stiff or soapy when wet.
3. Overusing Detergent
Too much detergent can lead to soap residue and leave your laundry drab and tacky. If you use too much detergent, you won’t always have a cleaner shirt, and the excess detergent is damaging to the environment.
What to Do:
— Always take the recommended amount of detergent per load and measure it out. Applying the right quantity ensures that your hemp fabrics are effectively cleaned without leaving behind a greasy residue.

Dhanya Nair is a fabric Lover and a mom. She offers a unique perspective on the intricacies and history of fabric and specializes in bringing the unique narratives of textiles to life.