About the Fabric:

"Eco-Silk" is the signature brand name for the fabric currently used to make all Aloha & Light baby carriers and blankets. It consists of a blend of hemp fiber and silk. After first experimenting with cotton and linen, Janel ultimately chose to exclusively use Eco-Silk to make her baby carriers due to the fabric's incredible versatility and unique advantages:

• Eco-Silk delivers a buttery soft texture from day one. There's no "crunch factor" or "breaking in period," making it immediately cozy for you and baby, while also being extremely easy to thread and adjust.

• Eco-Silk is extremely lightweight and breathable. Breathability makes it comfortable and will help keep you and baby cool in warm climates, and the lightweight/non-bulky qualities of the fabric make it very easy to layer under a jacket in cooler climates.

• Eco-Silk is super low maintenance! Aloha & Light ring slings and blankets can be machine washed. (See specific Care Instructions, below.) 

• Eco-Silk is unbelievably strong and supportive. Hemp fiber is one of the strongest and most durable of all natural textile fibers. You'll be amazed at the level of supportiveness offered by this thin and lightweight single layer of fabric (when combined with the Aloha & Light Signature Quad Shoulder that comes standard on all A&L slings), making it an ideal choice for newborns and toddlers*, alike! (*Ring slings are safety tested up to 35 lbs, and onbuhimos are safety tested/rated up to 40 lbs)

• Eco-Silk is water-friendly! Although Eco-Silk baby carriers are supportive enough for everyday use, through all seasons, they are amazing for water use, too! Due to the strength of the fabric, it resists stretching when wet, and its porous nature allows it to dry quickly. Additionally, hemp fiber is naturally resistant to mold and ultraviolet light!

Care Instructions:

Care Instructions for Hemp-Silk Blend Fabric

Our hemp-silk blend fabrics are hand-dyed with vibrant, eco-friendly fiber reactive dyes to create unique, long-lasting colors. To keep your fabric looking its best and maintain its strength and softness, please follow these care instructions:

Washing
- Hand-Wash Recommended: For best results, hand-wash in cool water (below 85°F/30°C) using a pH-neutral or silk-safe detergent (e.g., Woolite Delicates, Tenestar, or Biokleen Free & Clear). Avoid detergents containing enzymes, bleach, or optical brighteners (eg.,Nellie's Laundry Soda), as these can weaken silk fibers.
- **Machine Washing (if necessary): Use a delicate cycle with cold water and a small amount of silk-safe detergent (1–2 tablespoons per load). Place the fabric in a mesh laundry bag to minimize agitation and prevent tearing.
- Avoid Alkaline Detergents: Do not use detergents with high alkalinity, such as those containing soda ash (e.g., Nellie’s Laundry Soda), as they may damage the silk over time.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Add an extra rinse cycle or rinse by hand to remove all detergent residues, which can weaken silk if left behind.

Drying
- Air Dry: Lay the fabric flat on a clean, non-abrasive surface or hang to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can fade colors or weaken silk.
- Avoid Wringing or Twisting: Gently press out excess water with a towel instead of wringing to prevent stretching or tearing the silk.
- No Tumble Drying: Do not use a dryer, as high heat and agitation can damage the delicate silk fibers and cause hemp to shrink.

Dyeing Care (Post-Purchase)
- Initial Washes: Hand-dyed fabrics may release excess dye during the first few washes. Wash separately in cool water to prevent color bleeding. Adding a splash of white vinegar (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) to the rinse can help set the dye.
- Avoid Prolonged Soaking: Do not soak the fabric for more than 15 minutes during washing, as prolonged exposure to detergents can stress silk fibers.

Storage
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent damage from humidity, sunlight, or pests (e.g., moths). Use a breathable cotton bag or wrap in acid-free tissue paper for long-term storage.
- Avoid contact with rough surfaces or sharp objects that could snag or tear the fabric.

Additional Tips
- Spot Cleaning: For small stains, gently dab with a damp cloth and a drop of silk-safe detergent. Avoid rubbing to prevent fiber damage.
- Test Before Washing: If unsure about a detergent or washing method, test on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first.
- Ironing: If needed, iron on a low-heat setting (silk or delicate) with a pressing cloth to protect the fabric. Avoid steam, as it may cause water spots or weaken silk.

By following these care instructions, your hemp-silk blend fabric will retain its vibrant colors, soft texture, and durability for years to come. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us at Janel@alohaandlight.com. 

After Water Use (pool, beach, splash pad, etc.):

• Simply rinse in cold water as soon as possible after water use to rinse out any salt or chlorine, etc. Then wash, as needed, per washing instructions, above. Always make sure your products are not in direct sunlight when drying.