● Why Do Printed Cotton Kurtas Fade?

Ever wondered, “Why do cotton kurtas fade even after just a few washes?” Here's why:

• ● Harsh detergents break down fabric dyes quickly.
• ● Hot water opens fabric fibers, causing dye to leak.
• ● Sun drying speeds up fading—especially under intense sunlight.
• ● Machine friction wears off the printed layer.
• ● Sometimes, it's just low-quality dyes used in fast fashion.

● Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Printed Cotton Kurtas

1. Pre-Wash Preparation

• ● Turn your kurta inside-out to protect the printed surface.
• ● Check colorfastness: Dab a hidden corner with water. If the color bleeds, wash separately.
• ● Sort by shades: Keep light and dark prints apart.

2. Hand Wash vs Machine Wash: Which is Better?

Hand Wash (Highly Recommended)

• ● Use cold water and a mild detergent (try Mildfolk or a baby-safe detergent).
• ● Soak for 10 minutes max. Gently swirl—no harsh scrubbing.
• ● Rinse thoroughly with cold water.

Machine Wash (If You Must)

• ● Always place kurtas in a mesh laundry bag.
• ● Choose the Delicate cycle with cold water only.
• ● Avoid spin cycles above 600 RPM.

● 3. Best Detergents for Cotton Kurtas

• ● Avoid bleach and optical brighteners—they damage prints.
• ● Use pH-neutral detergents like Molly’s Suds or Biokleen.
• ● For natural cleaning, try a mix of baking soda and white vinegar—gentle and effective.

● 4. How to Dry Cotton Kurtas Without Fading

• ● Avoid direct sunlight. Always dry in shade or indoors.
• ● Lay flat on a towel or use a padded hanger.
• ● Do not wring! Gently press between towels to remove water.
• ● Iron inside-out on low heat to protect printed designs.

● Pro Tips to Keep Prints Vibrant

• ● Add 1/4 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle—it helps lock in colors.
• ● Wash only when needed—air out your kurta between wears.
• ● Store wrapped in muslin cloths to prevent moisture and color transfer.

● Common Mistakes to Avoid

● Using hot water or hard brushes

● Washing with heavy clothes like jeans or towels

● Ignoring care labels (some say "dry clean only" for a reason!)

● FAQs

• Q: Can I use fabric softener on cotton kurtas?
  A: It’s best not to. Fabric softeners weaken the fibers and can make prints fade faster.
• Q: How to fix faded kurta prints?
  A: Soak the kurta in saltwater (½ cup salt + cold water) for 30 minutes before re-washing. This may revive some faded dye.
• Q: Are cotton kurtas good for summer?
  A: Absolutely! Cotton is breathable and lightweight—perfect for hot weather. Browse The Navra’s summer-ready printed kurtas for the season's best picks.

● Conclusion

Taking care of your ethnic wear doesn't have to be complicated. With these simple steps and tips, you now know how to wash printed cotton kurtas without fading colors. At The Navra, we’re committed to creating ethnic fashion that’s not just beautiful—but built to last.