Printed fabrics cannot be described as just clothes or home decor. They are real pieces of art that are crafted with patience, skill and craftsmanship. Every print carries a bit of history, culture and handmade beauty, which makes them unique, and they all need the right printed fabric care to stay bright and beautiful for a long time.
In this article, we will guide you through the easy ways to care for printed fabric at home, so that you can maintain its colours, designs and charm for many more years to come.
What Are Block-Printed Fabrics?
Before learning how to care for printed fabric, it is essential to understand what is block printing. Block-printed fabrics are made using a traditional method called block printing, where artisans carve designs onto wooden blocks and then stamp them by hand onto the cloth.
These fabrics can be made from different materials like cotton, linen, etc, and the colours are often created using natural dyes. As these dyes are gentle and handmade, they can easily fade with harsh chemicals, too much sunlight or rough handling. That’s the reason why printed fabrics need a little extra care to keep their beauty intact.
Why Is Printed Fabric Care Important?
As printed fabric is a result of a handmade process, these fabrics need a little extra attention. If taken proper care, these fabrics will last longer, and you can maintain the beauty of these handcrafted items for many years. These fabrics:
- Can lose colour or bleed when washed carelessly
- May fade or wear out faster if not stored or handled properly
- Requires gentle washing and soft handling to maintain their texture and design.
How to Care for Printed Fabrics at Home
To help the printed fabrics stay bright and beautiful, you will have to handle them with care. Here are some easy steps to follow for proper printed fabric care at home:
Check the Care Label First
Before washing any printed fabric, always look at the care label of the product. The majority of these handmade fabrics come with a special washing and drying instructions label. If the label mentions drycleanonly, avoid washing it at home, as it can fade the print or damage the fabric. Most of the cotton printed materials can be washed at home safely, but only when following the right method.
Wash Printed Fabrics Separately
During the first few washes, printed fabrics made with natural dyes can release some colour. So, to protect your other clothes and keep the print safe, always wash them separately in the beginning. Here are some easy washing tips:
- Soak the fabric in clean, cold water for 10-15 minutes before washing.
- Soak the fabric only in plain water and do not add any detergent.
- If you are washing more than one piece, keep similar colours together.
Choose Gentle Detergents for Washing
Block printed designs may fade or be damaged when using strong detergents, fabric softeners, and bleach while washing. So, use a mild, natural detergent that is safe for delicate or hand-printed fabrics. You can also try:
- Eco-friendly laundry soaps
- pH-neutral cleansers
- Reetha solutions
Wash the Fabric Carefully
Hand-washing is the safest way to wash printed fabrics. To a bucket filled with cold water, add a small amount of mild detergent, and gently clean the cloth with your hands.
If you are using a washing machine, follow these tips:
- Always choose the gentle washing cycle
- Use cold water
- Place the fabric in a mesh laundry bag for added safety.
Avoid Soaking for Too Long
Printed fabrics can lose colour if they remain in water for a long time. So, limit soaking for 15-20 minutes. Also, if you are soaking more than one piece, soak fabrics of similar colour together. After soaking, lift the fabric and press out the water. Do not twist or wring it, as this can damage the print and weaken the cloth.
Dry Printed Fabrics in Shade
When drying under strong sunlight, the natural dyes in the printed fabrics can fade quickly. Also, colours like red, blue, and indigo may look dull or uneven when exposed to direct UV rays. So, to preserve the brightness of the printed fabrics, follow these tips:
- Dry printed clothes in the shade or a well-aired room.
- While drying, hang the fabric inside out to protect the printed side.
- Avoid using tumble dryers, as the heat can shrink cotton and damage the print.
Iron Carefully
As the printed fabric may look a bit wrinkled upon drying, it is essential to iron it safely to smooth it out. Iron the fabric on the reverse side and set the heat low so that the print does not get damaged. You can also follow these tips:
- Place a thin cotton cloth over the fabric before ironing.
- Use a low or medium heat setting.
- Do not place the ironbox directly on the print, especially if it has metallic or raised designs.
Store Printed Fabrics Properly
Storing your printed fabrics is just as important as washing them. To keep the colours bright and the fabric smooth:
- Fold the fabric and keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place.
- For storage, use cotton or muslin bags instead of plastic, as plastic bags can trap moisture.
- For sarees and long outfits, refold them every 2- 3 months to avoid permanent creases.
Takeaway
Printed fabric care is a process that is worth the effort. By following the easy tips mentioned in the article for caring for printed fabrics, you can keep their colours bright and their prints looking fresh. As these fabrics are made with patience and skill, you may treat them well to last much longer. Enjoy wearing printed fabrics, and let their colours and designs stay fresh for many years.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Printed Fabric Care
How do you stop printed fabrics from fading?
To prevent printed fabrics from fading, wash them inside out in cold water using a mild detergent and choose a gentle cycle or hand-wash if possible. Allow the fabrics to air-dry in shade, and avoid using bleach or strong fabric softeners. Store the clothes properly away from moisture and wash them only when needed to help them last longer.
Can printed cotton be washed in a washing machine?
Yes, you can wash printed cotton fabrics in a washing machine, but they require gentle handling. Turn the garment inside out, use cold water, and choose a gentle washing cycle with mild detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and tumble drying to protect the print and maintain the fabric’s quality.
Why do printed fabrics bleed colour?
Printed fabrics bleed colour when the dye doesn’t bond well with the fabric or when excess dye remains on the surface. This can happen due to poor-quality dyes or improper washing methods, especially washing in hot water or mixing with other clothes.
