Our noren are made in Kyoto.
Each one is hand-dyed by traditional craftsmen on natural linen or cotton, which is why the colors shift so beautifully when light passes through the fabric.
It is also why a Kyoto noren needs to be cared for differently from a printed modern curtain.
Note: this page is specifically for the hand-dyed Kyoto noren sold at Manekineko Ai. Printed or machine-made noren may be cared for differently.
The Short Version
Take your Kyoto noren to a professional dry cleaner.
We no longer recommend home washing of any kind.
Hand-dyed natural fabric is sensitive to water, friction, heat, and soap.
Even careful hand-washing at home can cause the dye to bleed, fade unevenly, or shift the fabric in a way that cannot be reversed.
Dry cleaning, by contrast, uses gentle low-agitation solvent cleaning — it removes dust and small stains without disturbing the dye.
Why We Changed This Recommendation
In earlier guidance we suggested gentle hand-washing at home. We no longer recommend that approach.
Over time we saw that even careful home washes could cause:
- Dye bleeding at the edges of colors.
- Uneven fading on areas that were scrubbed more than others.
- Shrinkage or distortion, especially on linen.
- Loss of the natural softness that develops after the first months of use.
A good dry cleaner avoids all of these problems.
Before You Send It In
A few small tips help the cleaning go smoothly:
- Mention it is hand-dyed. Say “hand-dyed Japanese linen (or cotton)” — any professional cleaner will know to be gentle.
- Ask for no pressing on dyed areas. Light steaming is fine; direct high-heat pressing can dull the color.
- Request no starching. Starch stiffens the fabric and spoils the natural drape.
- Point out specific stains so they can be spot-treated properly.
If your usual cleaner is not familiar with Japanese textiles, look for a shop that handles kimono, silk, or antique linens.
Everyday Care Between Cleanings
A well-cared-for Kyoto noren rarely needs professional cleaning more than once or twice a year.
In between, the everyday care is very simple:
Airing
Every few weeks, take the noren down for an hour or two. Hang it in the shade — outdoors or near an open window. Airing is the single best thing you can do for natural fabric.
Dust Removal
Gently shake the noren outdoors, or use a soft clothes brush in the direction of the weave.
Please do not use a lint roller. The adhesive can pull dye or fibers from hand-dyed fabric.
Small Spot Marks
Dab (do not rub) with a dry cloth. If fresh, absorb as much as possible with a paper towel. Do not apply water.
Sunlight
Natural dyes are sensitive to UV. Hang your noren in diffused light rather than harsh afternoon sun where possible.
Storage
If you rotate your noren seasonally, storage matters as much as cleaning.
- Fold it loosely along the dyed pattern (not against it).
- Use a breathable cotton bag or acid-free paper. Avoid plastic wrap — it can trap moisture and cause mold on natural fibers.
- Natural insect deterrent: a small sachet of paulownia wood shavings or a Japanese cedar block keeps insects away without chemicals.
If Something Doesn’t Look Right
If your noren arrives with a flaw, or something happens during cleaning that you’re unsure about, please contact us before doing anything further.
Many issues that look permanent can be addressed if caught early.
Our Kyoto workshops can sometimes re-dye or repair a piece that would otherwise need replacing.
One Last Thought
Kyoto noren are alive in the way natural-dyed fabric is always alive.
They soften with use. They shift slightly with age. They carry the small marks of the house they hang in.
The goal of good care isn’t to keep them new.
It’s to let them grow older gracefully — the way Kyoto craftsmen intend them to.
Explore more: our full noren collection | Kyoto noren by brand