How to Care for Your Frazada

A frazada is not a washable textile. This page covers everything you need to know to care for yours — whether you use it as a floor rug, a blanket, a wall hanging, or a tablecloth.

The most important thing: do not wash at home

Frazadas are handwoven and coloured with natural plant dyes — cochineal for the reds, indigo for the blues, plant extracts for the earthy tones. Because of this, they are sensitive to water saturation in a way that machine-dyed textiles are not. Home washing risks colour transfer between dye lots and deformation of the flat weave structure under the weight of water.

This applies regardless of how you use the piece. A frazada used as a floor rug and a frazada used as a blanket are the same textile with the same dye structure. The care is the same.

The rule: spot-clean for everyday marks, and use a specialist dry cleaner once a year for a deeper clean. Between those two, keep the frazada dry.

Routine care: beat it, don't wash it

Take the frazada outside every few weeks and beat it or shake it firmly. This loosens and removes dust and grit from everyday use. It is the traditional approach and the most effective method for keeping a frazada clean between professional washes.

If you also vacuum, use a flat suction attachment on a low setting — never a rotating brush or beater bar, which can pull the handwoven fibres loose. Always vacuum in the direction of the weave.

If you use your frazada on the floor

Always lay it on a non-slip rug pad. A rug pad keeps the frazada from shifting underfoot, cushions the fibres from direct friction against the floor, and allows dust and grit to fall through the weave rather than grinding into the textile. Choose a felt-and-rubber pad rather than solid rubber, which can trap moisture underneath.

Rotate the frazada every three to four months — flip it end to end or side to side. This distributes wear evenly and gives every part of the textile equal exposure to light.

Spills: act immediately

Wool's natural lanolin gives you a few moments before a spill soaks in. Blot — never rub — with a clean, colourless cloth. Work from the edges inward. Remove as much moisture as possible first.

If a mark remains once dry, press gently with a cloth dampened in cold water and a small amount of pH-neutral wool soap. Do not scrub. Leave flat to dry in a ventilated space away from direct heat.

Never use: hot water, bleach, ammonia, stain-removal sprays, or any solvent. These interact unpredictably with natural dyes and can cause permanent colour change.

Deep cleaning: once a year, with a specialist

Professional dry cleaning once a year is enough for a frazada in regular use. When you take it in, specify that it is 100% handwoven wool with natural plant dyes. Ask for pH-neutral cleaning products — alkaline products common in general dry cleaning cause colour shift in naturally dyed textiles.

Sunlight

Natural dyes are vulnerable to UV light over time. Rotate the frazada regularly so any colour change is even across the surface. Filter direct sun where possible — sheer curtains, blinds, or UV-filtering window film all help.

Moths

Wool attracts clothes moths. Regular beating, airing, and moving the frazada periodically is the most effective deterrent — moths prefer dark, undisturbed textiles. Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets nearby. Inspect the underside periodically. If you notice wool debris or fine webbing, isolate the piece immediately and consult a professional.

Loose threads and the centre seam

The seam running down the centre is a structural feature — the join between two separately woven panels on a backstrap loom. Do not scrub it or put mechanical pressure on it. If you notice a loose thread anywhere on the frazada, do not pull it. Use a blunt instrument to push it back through from the front. If it is too long, tie a small knot close to the surface and trim the excess carefully.

Storage

Clean thoroughly first and make sure the frazada is completely dry before storing. Roll — do not fold, which creates permanent creases in flat-woven textiles. Wrap in breathable cotton sheeting. Tuck cedar or lavender inside the roll. Do not use plastic bags or airtight containers. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space.

What to expect as it ages

With good care, the wool softens further and the colours deepen slightly in areas away from direct light. A frazada does not depreciate with age the way a factory textile does. It gets more itself.

What not to do

• Do not wash at home — not by hand, not by machine
• Do not use bleach, ammonia, solvent-based sprays, or hot water
• Do not vacuum with a rotating brush or beater bar
• Do not fold for storage — always roll
• Do not store in plastic bags
• Do not iron directly on the woven surface
• Do not pull loose threads
• Do not scrub the centre seam

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my frazada at home?
No. The natural dyes and handwoven flat weave are sensitive to water saturation — home washing risks colour transfer and weave deformation. This applies whether you use it as a rug, a blanket, or anything else. Spot-clean for everyday marks and take to a specialist dry cleaner once a year.

How do I clean it without washing it?
Beat it outdoors every few weeks to shake out dust and grit. This is the traditional approach and the most effective method for maintaining a frazada. Regular beating keeps the fibres clean without putting any mechanical stress on the weave.

What do I do immediately after a spill?
Blot with a clean, colourless cloth — never rub. Work from the edges inward. Once dry, if a mark remains, press gently with a cloth dampened in cold water and a small amount of pH-neutral wool soap. Do not use hot water, bleach, or solvents.

Do I need a rug pad if I use it on the floor?
Yes. A non-slip felt-and-rubber pad keeps the frazada from shifting, cushions the fibres from floor friction, and lets dust fall through the weave rather than grinding into the textile.

Will the colours fade over time?
Natural dyes can soften gradually with extended UV exposure. Rotating the frazada regularly ensures any change is even across the surface. Sheer curtains or UV-filtering window film make a significant difference over the years.

What should I do about moths?
Moth prevention is mostly about regular handling. A frazada that is beaten, aired, and moved periodically is far less attractive to moths than one left undisturbed. Add cedar blocks or lavender nearby. If you notice wool dust or fine webbing, isolate the piece and consult a professional immediately.

What is the seam running down the middle?
A frazada is woven in two halves on a backstrap loom and joined at the centre by hand. The seam is a structural feature of the technique — a sign that this is a handmade piece, not a machine-loomed one.

How do I store a frazada?
Clean it first and make sure it is completely dry. Roll it — do not fold, which creates permanent creases in flat-woven textiles. Wrap the roll in breathable cotton sheeting and tuck cedar or lavender inside. Never use plastic bags.

How long should a frazada last?
With proper care, a very long time. Frazadas were made for hard use in the Andean highlands. The wool softens and the colours deepen with age. A well-cared-for frazada gets better over time, not worse.

Still have questions?

If you have questions about caring for your Orange Inca frazada, we are happy to help. Reach us at hello@orangeinca.com.

For the full story behind frazadas — where they come from, how they are made, and what makes each one unique — read From Andean Blanket to Everyday Object.

Browse the frazada collection.