thewabi Kaya Kiji Fukin Tea Towel

The towels arrive with a natural starch finish to protect the delicate mosquito-net weave during shipping. This stiffness is intentional and will wash away completely after your first hot water rinse, revealing the soft, supple texture underneath.

To activate the fabric's softness and absorbency, soak the towels in hot water for a few minutes before their first use. This process removes the starch and allows the fibers to expand, creating the signature fluffy texture.

Yes. Thanks to the traditional Kaya Kiji mosquito-net weave and the cotton-rayon blend, these cloths are engineered to hold 1.3 times more water than standard cotton towels, making them highly efficient for drying dishes or wiping down counters.

Unlikely. The open-weave structure is specifically designed for rapid airflow, which allows the fabric to dry much faster than dense cotton towels. This quick-drying capability significantly reduces the environment where odor-causing bacteria thrive.

While they are durable and excellent for daily kitchen tasks like drying dishes or wiping surfaces, they are designed as delicate, high-performance textiles. We recommend avoiding harsh scrubbing on abrasive surfaces to maintain the integrity of the weave.