care-guide-home

Towels and bathrobes

Marimekko’s bath textiles bring a spa-like atmosphere to your home with timeless prints. The collection includes towels for all kinds of bathing moments—from lightweight hamam towels to delightfully soft terry towels, along with bathrobes, slippers and makeup bags. Follow these care instructions to keep your bath textiles in great shape.

Before use

We recommend washing towels and bathrobes before their first use.

Washing

Check the proper washing method on the care label attached to the product or its packaging. To maintain the surface of towels and bathrobes, we recommend washing them in a full machine load. A partially filled machine can strain the surface of terry products. For smaller items, we recommend using a laundry bag.

Correct washing temperature

Refer to the care label for the recommended washing temperature. Always follow the suggested temperature, as colors may bleed at too low a temperature.

Bright colors

Strongly colored bath textiles may release some dye, especially during the first few washes. Wash these items with similar colors. Use a color-safe detergent that does not contain bleaching agents or optical brighteners.

Textile absorbency

The moisture absorbency of bath textiles improves with washing. Avoid using fabric softeners on bath textiles, as they may reduce the material's absorbency.

Drying

Most Marimekko bath textiles are dryer-safe. However, always check the care label for specific recommendations. Tumble drying helps restore softness, especially for terry products.

Loose fibers

Soft terry materials may shed fibers during the first few washes and uses. Tumble drying can help speed up the removal of loose fibers.

Terry loops

The soft and absorbent surface of woven terry material is made of loops of yarn. If a loop catches on something sharp or rough, it may cause a pulled thread. If this happens, avoid pulling the thread; instead, trim it to the same length as the other loops. This won’t affect the integrity of the terry fabric. To prevent pulls, be cautious with jewelry during drying and avoid washing terry products with items that have zippers or Velcro.

Ceramics

Marimekko’s range of ceramic dishware offers simple, practical products for various table settings. Crafted from high-quality, high-fired stoneware, these items feature a variety of shapes and patterns. Marimekko ceramics are both durable and easy to care for. Following these guidelines will help ensure your pieces last longer.

Before use

Always wash ceramics before their first use. Remove any labels on the bottom of the items, as some stickers may contain metal.

Handling ceramics

Proper handling can extend the life of your ceramics. Handle items carefully, avoiding bumps during use, cleaning and stacking. Do not scrub the surface with sharp objects or abrasive cleaning tools, as this may dull or scratch the glaze. If food sticks to the surface, soak the item instead of scrubbing.

Washing

Most Marimekko ceramics are dishwasher safe. Always check the cleaning recommendations on the product’s bottom stamp or in the provided care instructions. For products with golden accents, we recommend hand washing. If using a dishwasher, ensure that the items do not touch each other during the wash.

Special decorations or shapes

For asymmetrically shaped or metal-pigment-decorated ceramics, hand washing is recommended. These items are not suitable for use in the oven or microwave.

Heating

Most Marimekko ceramics are oven safe (up to 250°C) and microwave safe. Products with golden accents are not suitable for use in the microwave. Always verify heating suitability by checking the bottom stamp or the care instructions. When heating in the oven, cover the bottom of the item with liquid or food and place it at least 10 cm away from the oven’s grill elements. Ceramics are not suitable for stovetop use. Handle hot items carefully to prevent damage.

Freezing

Most Marimekko ceramics are freezer safe. Always confirm the item’s suitability for freezing by checking the bottom stamp or the care instructions. Keep in mind that liquids expand when frozen, so it’s not recommended to freeze liquids in ceramics.

Temperature changes

To avoid damage, prevent sudden and significant temperature changes when heating or freezing ceramics. Do not place a cold item directly into the oven or microwave; let it warm to room temperature first. Allow ceramics to cool gradually after heating or freezing. Do not place a hot item on a cold, damp or steel surface.

Other materials

Ceramic dishware may include components made from other materials, such as wooden or leather handles. If removable, take them off before washing according to the care instructions. If fixed, hand wash the item following the care instructions. Items with additional materials are not suitable for heating or freezing.

Fabrics

Marimekko’s versatile fabrics are printed in Helsinki. They will retain their natural properties when you follow these simple instructions.

Washing

You can find fabric-specific washing instructions either printed on the edge of the fabric or a separate care label. If there is a line under the washing symbol, it guides you to select a gentle washing cycle and a low spin speed.

Optimal load

Check the recommended load level for the washing cycle – washing too much laundry at once may impair cleaning, cause color transfer, and increase wrinkles. For optimal washing results, we recommend washing about five meters of fabric at a time in a 6–7 kg washing machine.

Correct washing temperature

Follow the recommended washing temperature since washing at too low a temperature may cause unwanted color transfer. For most of our printed fabrics, we recommend washing at 60°C, but always check the recommended temperature for each fabric. For coated fabrics, we recommend washing at 40°C, and for pigment-printed fabrics, 40°C with a gentle cycle.

Strong colors

Some dye may come off printed fabrics, especially in the first few washes. Dark and brightly colored fabrics should therefore be washed separately or with similar colors in plenty of water.

After washing

Remove the fabrics from the machine immediately after the end of the cycle. Straighten the fabrics and let them dry as airy as possible. It’s advisable to iron fabrics while they are slightly damp, as this will help restore the fabric's feel and smoothness.

Acrylic-coated fabric

Thanks to the dirt-repellent coating, the acrylic-coated fabric is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. When the fabric needs washing, wash it in plenty of water. Acrylic-coated fabric is designed for indoor use. When used outdoors, sunlight and weather conditions may alter and fade its colors.

Glassware

Marimekko’s glassware collection features timeless design classics and distinctive shapes that bring joy to any table setting. Crafted for durability and ease of care, these tips will help you enjoy your glassware for years to come.

Before use

Wash all glassware before first use and be sure to remove any stickers from the base, as some may contain metal.

Handling your glassware

Treat your glassware gently to extend its life. Avoid knocking or stacking pieces too tightly during use, cleaning or storage. Steer clear of scrubbing with sharp or abrasive tools; soaking stuck-on food first will make cleaning easier. Please note that Marimekko glassware is not oven, microwave or freezer-safe.

Dairy products

Rinse glassware used for dairy products with cold water before washing. This prevents proteins from sticking to the surface during hot washing, reducing the risk of cloudiness or staining.

Hand washing or dishwasher

While hand washing is the gentlest method, most Marimekko glassware is dishwasher-safe. Check the product’s care instructions to confirm. If using a dishwasher, select a gentle glassware cycle (max. 122°F/50°C) and ensure items are spaced to avoid contact during washing.

For larger items

Larger pieces like pitchers and carafes are best washed by hand to ensure safe handling.

Water quality matters

Hard water can cause cloudiness or a dull film to form on glassware due to mineral deposits. If you have hard water, use a specialized dishwasher salt to soften it and prevent buildup.

Temperature changes

To avoid damage, prevent sudden and significant temperature changes when heating or freezing ceramics. Do not place a cold item directly into the oven or microwave; let it warm to room temperature first. Allow ceramics to cool gradually after heating or freezing. Do not place a hot item on a cold, damp or steel surface.

Maintaining clarity

A dishwasher rinse aid can keep your glassware sparkling, but follow the recommended dosage. To restore clarity to clouded glassware, soak it in a solution of equal parts vinegar and water for 30–60 minutes. Afterward, wash by hand with dish soap and dry with a soft towel.

After washing

Let glassware cool completely before use. Avoid stacking warm pieces, as they may stick together and become damaged as they cool.

A matter of craftsmanship

Marimekko glassware is crafted using traditional techniques, making each piece unique. Charming imperfections like air bubbles or slight variations in size and weight are natural characteristics—hallmarks of handmade artistry.

Bed linen

Marimekko’s bed linen is made from natural materials. There are plenty of different products available. These simple instructions help you keep your bed linen looking and feeling great for a long time.

Before use

It is advisable to wash bed linen in plenty of water to remove any excess dye.

Washing

The proper washing method can be checked from the care label attached to the product or from the product package. Also, check the recommended load level for the washing cycle – washing too much laundry at once may impair cleaning and increase wrinkles. Shake off dust and loose debris from the linen before washing.

Correct washing temperature

We recommend washing Marimekko bed linen at 60°C. Follow the recommended washing temperature since washing at too low a temperature may cause unwanted color transfer.

Strong colors

Some dye may come off the linen, especially in the first few washes. Dark and brightly colored products should therefore be washed separately in plenty of water, especially for the first three times. Use detergents made for colored laundry and without whiteners or brighteners.

After washing

Remove the linen from the washing machine immediately after the end of the cycle.

Dry and finish as desired

Do you want your bed linen to look soft and carefree or straight and smooth? The drying method influences this. Tumble drying, which suits most of Marimekko’s bed linen, softens the product, leaving it with a carefree, low wrinkle. Tumble drying also removes excess loose fibers. If you prefer a smoother look, it’s a good idea to air dry the bedding on a line and iron or mangle it slightly damp. Ironing and mangling also seal the fibers, which reduces the release of textile dust.

Outdoor drying

Line drying your linen outdoors gives it a wonderful fresh scent, but be aware that direct sunlight can fade colors.

Furniture

Artek furniture is lacquered to create a good and durable surface.

Assembly

When assembling the product, it is important to tighten the screws carefully all the way, so that the legs do not wobble and the product becomes stable. It is a good idea to check and retighten the screws after 2–3 months, as dry air can cause the wood to shrink and the screws to loosen.

Protect and care

Protect the lacquered surface from moisture and sharp, hard or abrasive materials and objects. Wipe the product using a soft cloth dampened with a solution of water, or if needed, with a mild and neutral detergent. Dry the surface after wiping to eliminate any remaining moisture. During use, dry away any moisture or liquid immediately.

Discoloration

To prevent discoloration, avoid coffee or red wine stains on the product’s surface and be careful with textiles which might bleed color, like jeans. If you leave appliances on the surface, replace rubber pads with felt or another material that does not stain.

Unique pieces

Due to the characteristic features of wood products, each product is unique and differences in color tones may appear between products.

More information on product care and maintenance:
Hoito-ohjeet - Artek