Cleaning a Bunad Shirt – Gentle Wash and Press for a Delicate Garment
A bunad shirt is sewn in fine linen or cotton, often with hardangersøm or other whitework, and needs gentle handling to protect both the fabric and the embroidery. We give the shirt a gentle professional wash and a careful press, so it looks clean and crisp again without harming the fine handwork. You order online, we pick it up at home or work, treat the shirt and send it back.
Gentle cleaning of a delicate garment
A bunad shirt in fine linen or cotton can't take rough handling. We wash the shirt professionally and gently, matched to the fabric, so the fibres and the shape hold up. The goal is a clean shirt that still feels soft and fine – without wearing down the delicate quality.
Hardangersøm and whitework
Whitework and fine embroidery call for extra care. We never use chlorine bleach on whitework – chlorine weakens the fibres and can yellow or damage the stitching itself. Instead the shirt is treated gently, so the hardangersøm and the white embroidery keep both their strength and their colour.
Stains and careful pressing
If the shirt has a stain, it's safer to treat it gently and early than to rub or bleach it – hard rubbing or chlorine can set the mark or harm the whitework. Describe the shirt and any stains when you order, and we'll choose the right approach. Finally the shirt is pressed carefully, worked around the embroidery, so it comes out crisp without crushing the raised stitching.
How to order
Choose the service and briefly tell us about the shirt and any stains when you order online. We pick the shirt up at home or work, or you drop it off at a service point or partner store – you choose the shipping method in your order. Once the shirt is washed and pressed, we send it back to you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to clean a bunad shirt?+
The price depends on the shirt and any stain treatment. You see the price before you order – see the full price list on our prices page.
Do you use bleach on the whitework?+
No. We never use chlorine bleach on whitework or hardangersøm – chlorine weakens the fibres and can yellow or damage the embroidery. The shirt is treated gently, so the white handwork keeps its strength and colour.
Do you press the shirt without damaging the embroidery?+
Yes. We press the shirt carefully and work around the embroidery, so it comes out crisp and clean without crushing the raised hardangersøm.
How long does cleaning a bunad shirt take?+
It depends on the shirt and any stain treatment. If you need the bunad for a specific occasion, we recommend sending the shirt in good time. You get a confirmation when we receive the garment and can follow the status of your order.
Can you take care of the rest of the bunad too?+
Yes. Cleaning, repair and alteration of the bunad itself are handled on the bunad page – see bunad cleaning & repair for full care of your bunad.
Ready to fix it?