Quick answer: No, handwoven palm placemats are not meant to be soaked or machine washed. Keep them dry, dust them gently with a soft, dry cloth or brush, and keep them away from prolonged moisture, direct heat and strong sunlight.
Natural fibers behave differently from vinyl or cotton. They are lighter, more textured and more sensitive to water, which is part of why they look the way they do. The care routine is simple, and it keeps the weave in good shape for years.
What are handwoven placemats made of?
Our placemats and coasters are made from natural palm fibers. Iraca palm pieces are woven in Usiacurí, on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, over a wire frame. Toquilla palm pieces are made in Sandoná, in the mountains of Southern Colombia, from threads cut from the palm leaves, dyed and interwoven. Because they are 100% handmade from natural fibers, slight variations in color, shape and weave are part of each piece's character. Learn more in Iraca vs Toquilla Palm.
How do I care for woven palm placemats?
- Keep them dry. Avoid soaking and avoid prolonged humidity.
- Dust gently. Use a soft, dry cloth or soft brush after use.
- Keep them away from heat. Use trivets under hot dishes and avoid direct heat sources and prolonged direct sunlight.
- Handle with care. Pick the piece up by the sides to preserve its woven shape.
- Store flat and dry. A dry shelf or drawer, away from moisture.
This guidance follows the care instructions on our product pages.
Can I use woven placemats with wet dishes?
It is best to avoid it. If a glass leaves a ring or a dish drips, wipe the surface quickly and let the piece air-dry fully before storing. Coasters protect the table and the placemat when you serve cold drinks. Try the Lemon Coaster or the Clover Placemat with a coaster at each setting.
What should I avoid?
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Soaking or machine washing | Moisture can loosen the weave and change the shape |
| Hot pots and pans directly on the weave | Natural fibers should be kept away from direct heat |
| Long exposure to direct sunlight | It can fade the color over time |
| Storing in damp spaces | Prolonged humidity is not good for natural fibers |
Is it worth choosing natural-fiber placemats?
If you like texture, craftsmanship and pieces with a story, yes. They need a little more attention than wipe-clean vinyl, but they also look and feel like part of the table instead of covering it. Browse the placemats collection and coasters collection.
More reading
- Placemat size guide
- The complete guide to hand-woven placemats
- The story behind handwoven Colombian tableware
Frequently Asked Questions
Are woven placemats washable?
Handwoven palm placemats should not be soaked or machine washed. Keep them dry and dust them gently with a soft cloth or brush.
How do I clean a spill on a woven placemat?
Blot the spill quickly, let the piece air-dry fully and keep it away from direct heat.
How should I store woven placemats?
Store them flat in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity.
Why do my placemats look slightly different from the photos?
Each piece is handmade from natural fibers, so slight variations in color, shape and weave are expected.
