How to Care for Your Macrame & Natural Fiber Decor
Natural fiber decor is built to last. A well-made macrame wall hanging, a cotton dreamcatcher, or a jute plant hanger can stay beautiful for years — even decades — with the right care. The good news is that caring for natural fiber pieces is simpler than most people expect.
This guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning, maintaining, and storing your macrame and natural fiber decor so it stays looking its best for as long as possible.
Understanding Natural Fibers
Before diving into care instructions, it helps to understand what your decor is made from — because different natural fibers have different needs.
Cotton cord is the most common material in macrame wall hangings, dreamcatchers, and plant hangers. It is soft, strong, and relatively forgiving. Cotton can be hand washed, tolerates gentle handling well, and dries cleanly without shrinking significantly.
Jute rope is a plant-based fiber with a rougher, more rustic texture. It is stronger than cotton but more sensitive to moisture. Jute should be kept dry — prolonged exposure to water will weaken the fibers and cause the rope to deteriorate over time.
Linen thread is sometimes used in finer crochet lace dreamcatchers and curtains. Like cotton, linen is washable but benefits from gentle handling and air drying.
Wood elements — dowels, hoops, and beads — should be kept away from prolonged moisture to prevent warping or cracking. A light wipe with a dry cloth is all they need.
Feathers used in dreamcatchers are delicate. Handle them by the quill only, and avoid moisture entirely.
How to Clean a Macrame Wall Hanging
Macrame wall hangings collect dust over time — particularly the long fringe sections, which trap particles easily. Regular light maintenance prevents buildup and keeps the piece looking fresh.
For routine dusting: Take the piece outside or hold it over a bathtub. Shake it gently to release loose dust. Use a soft bristle brush — a clean paintbrush works perfectly — to brush through the fringe from top to bottom. Alternatively, use a hairdryer on the cool setting to blow dust free from the knots and fringe.
For deeper cleaning: Fill a bathtub or large basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle, fragrance-free detergent. Submerge the piece and squeeze the water through the fibers gently — do not scrub, wring, or twist. Rinse thoroughly with cool clean water until the water runs clear.
Press out excess water gently with a clean towel — never wring. Hang to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Reshape the fringe while damp by running your fingers through it to separate and straighten the strands. Allow to dry completely before rehanging — this may take 24 hours or more depending on the size of the piece.
Important: never put macrame in a washing machine or tumble dryer. The agitation will tangle, felt, and permanently damage the fibers.
How to Care for a Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatchers require gentle handling — particularly the feathers and the woven web, which are the most delicate parts of the piece.
For routine dusting: Use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to remove dust from the web and feathers. Work from the centre of the web outward, and handle feathers by the quill only. Never pull or tug at the web threads — they are under tension and can distort if handled roughly.
For the hoop: Wipe wooden or metal hoops with a dry cloth. If the hoop is lacquered or sealed wood, a very lightly damp cloth is fine — dry immediately afterward.
Avoid: — Direct moisture on feathers — Hanging in bathrooms or high-humidity spaces — Direct sunlight, which will fade feathers and weaken thread over time
If a feather becomes bent or misshapen, hold it briefly over gentle steam — the warmth will relax the barbs and allow you to reshape it carefully.
How to Care for Macrame Plant Hangers
Plant hangers face a unique challenge — they are regularly exposed to water from plant care. With the right approach, this does not have to be a problem.
Cotton rope hangers tolerate occasional moisture well. If water drips during watering, allow the hanger to dry naturally in a well-ventilated space. Remove the plant pot before watering if possible to minimise soaking.
Jute rope hangers are more moisture-sensitive. Water your plants by removing them from the hanger, watering thoroughly, allowing to drain completely, and then replacing. This keeps the jute dry and extends its life significantly.
For cleaning plant hangers: Remove the pot. Shake out any loose soil or debris. For cotton hangers, hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry completely before replacing the plant. For jute hangers, spot clean only with a barely damp cloth — do not submerge.
How to Care for Woven Baskets
Natural woven baskets — jute, seagrass, or cotton — are among the most durable pieces in a boho home, but they benefit from simple regular care.
For dusting: wipe with a dry cloth or use a soft brush. For tighter weaves, a vacuum with a brush attachment on low suction works well.
For stains: spot clean with a barely damp cloth and a tiny amount of mild soap. Work gently and dry immediately — do not soak the basket or submerge it in water.
To maintain shape: store baskets upright and avoid stacking heavy objects inside them for long periods, which can distort the weave.
How to Care for Crochet Lace Curtains
Crochet lace curtains in cotton or linen are more washable than most people expect — but they require gentle handling to maintain their shape and delicate pattern.
Hand washing is always preferable. Use cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge and squeeze gently — never scrub or wring. Rinse thoroughly.
Machine washing is possible on a delicate cycle at 30°C in a mesh laundry bag, but hand washing will always give better long-term results.
Drying: lay flat on a clean towel or hang carefully — never use a tumble dryer. While damp, gently stretch the lace back into shape and smooth any distorted sections with your hands. Allow to dry fully before rehanging.
General Care Tips for All Natural Fiber Decor
Keep away from direct sunlight. UV light fades natural fibers and weakens them over time. Position pieces where they receive indirect light rather than direct sun.
Avoid high humidity spaces. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are not ideal for most natural fiber pieces — cotton handles occasional humidity, but jute and feathers do not.
Dust regularly. A quick monthly dust takes two minutes and prevents the kind of deep buildup that requires a full wash.
Handle with clean, dry hands. Natural oils and moisture from hands can transfer to fibers over time, particularly on lighter cotton pieces.
Store carefully. If you need to store a piece seasonally, roll it loosely — never fold — and wrap in clean cotton or linen fabric. Store in a dry, cool space away from direct light.
The BohoArtis Promise
Every piece in the BohoArtis collection is made from quality natural materials chosen for their beauty, durability, and the way they age. With the right care, your macrame wall hanging, dreamcatcher, plant hanger, or woven basket will remain a beautiful part of your home for years to come.
If you ever have questions about caring for a specific piece from our collection, we are always happy to help.
