Beautiful Fabric Deserves Thoughtful Care
Hand block printed cotton is made to last ā but only if you treat it right. Unlike synthetic fabrics that can handle rough treatment, block printed cotton with natural or reactive dyes needs a gentler approach. The good news: once you know the rules, caring for your block prints is simple and takes very little extra effort.
Here's everything you need to know.
The First Wash: The Most Important One
The first wash sets the tone for how your fabric will behave for the rest of its life. Follow these steps carefully:
- Soak in cold salted water first. Before washing, soak the fabric in cold water with 2ā3 tablespoons of salt for 30 minutes. Salt helps fix the dye and prevents colour bleeding in future washes.
- Wash by hand. For the first wash, always hand wash ā never machine wash. Use cold water and a very mild detergent (or just plain water if the fabric isn't soiled).
- Wash colours separately. Deep colours like red, indigo, and black can bleed on the first wash. Always wash them separately from lighter fabrics.
- Do not wring. Gently squeeze out excess water ā never twist or wring the fabric, as this can distort the weave and crack the print.
Ongoing Washing: Keeping Colours Vibrant
After the first wash, your block printed cotton is more stable ā but it still benefits from gentle handling.
- Cold water always. Hot water breaks down dye molecules and causes fading. Always use cold or lukewarm water.
- Mild detergent only. Use a gentle, pH-neutral detergent. Avoid anything with bleach, optical brighteners, or harsh enzymes ā these strip natural dyes quickly.
- Machine wash on gentle cycle (after the first wash) is fine, but turn the garment inside out and use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
- Don't soak for too long. Extended soaking (more than 30 minutes) can cause colours to bleed or fade. Quick wash, quick rinse.
- Rinse thoroughly. Detergent residue left in the fabric can cause stiffness and dull the colours over time.
Drying: Shade Is Your Best Friend
This is where most people go wrong. Direct sunlight is the enemy of block printed fabric.
- Always dry in shade. UV rays break down natural and reactive dyes rapidly. Even a few hours of direct sun exposure can visibly fade your fabric.
- Dry flat or hang carefully. Hanging a wet kurta from one point can stretch the fabric. Either dry flat on a clean surface or hang from the shoulders using a wide hanger.
- Don't tumble dry. The heat and friction of a dryer will fade colours and shrink cotton. Air dry only.
Ironing: Getting It Right
- Iron inside out. Always turn your block printed garment inside out before ironing. Direct heat on the printed surface can cause the dye to transfer or the print to crack.
- Use medium heat. Cotton can handle a warm iron, but avoid the highest setting.
- No steam directly on the print. Steam can cause dye to bleed or spread. If you need steam, apply it to the reverse side only.
- Iron while slightly damp for the smoothest results.
Storage: Keeping Your Suits Fresh Between Wears
- Store in muslin or cotton bags. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers ā cotton needs to breathe. Muslin bags are ideal.
- Fold, don't hang (for long-term storage). Hanging cotton garments for months can stretch the fabric at the shoulders. Fold neatly and store flat.
- Keep away from moisture. Damp storage conditions cause mildew, which can permanently stain fabric. Store in a cool, dry place.
- Add neem leaves or cedar blocks to your storage to deter insects naturally ā avoid mothballs, which can leave chemical residue on fabric.
- Refold periodically. If storing for a season, refold along different lines every few months to prevent permanent crease marks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| ā Don't | ā Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Use bleach or harsh detergent | Use mild, pH-neutral detergent |
| Wash in hot water | Always use cold water |
| Dry in direct sunlight | Dry in shade |
| Wring or twist the fabric | Gently squeeze and press |
| Iron directly on the print | Iron inside out on medium heat |
| Store in plastic bags | Use breathable muslin bags |
Shop Block Printed Cotton Fabrics
Ready to add to your collection? Browse our handcrafted block printed fabrics ā each one made to be worn, washed, and loved for years.
- Hand Block Printed Pure Cotton Fabric ā Ruby Meadow
- Hand Block Printed Pure Cotton Fabric ā Desert Bloom
And if you're caring for a Kota Doria suit specifically, read our dedicated guide: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Kota Doria Salwars.