Every wash, every wear, and every day in storage affects how your clothes look. The following care practices will help you slow color loss and keep garments looking fresh longer.
WHY COLOURS FADE
- Heat accelerates color loss in every form - hot water, dryers, irons, even prolonged sun exposure
- Harsh chemicals in detergents strip away dye particles alongside dirt
- Friction from washing, wearing, and storing gradually loosens color bonds
- Time itself ensures that nothing stays exactly as it was
WASHING GUIDELINES
- Always use cold water - the single most effective preservation method
- Turn garments inside out to protect the visible surface from friction
- Choose mild, bleach-free detergents - check labels as many contain hidden bleaching agents
- Wash similar colors together to prevent transfer and allow appropriate care
- Hand wash when possible or use gentle machine cycles for delicate prints
- Avoid fabric softeners which can build up and alter colors
DRYING PRACTICES
- Dry in shade rather than direct sunlight to prevent premature fading
- Use low heat or air-dry settings if machine drying is necessary
- Hang carefully to prevent stretching, or lay flat for knits and heavy items
- Remove promptly from machines to prevent heat damage and creasing
- Daily Care
- Store properly - hang structured garments, fold knits, avoid overcrowding
- Iron on reverse to protect printed or dyed surfaces
- Act quickly on stains but avoid harsh scrubbing which damages fibers
- Be mindful of substances like citrus, perfume, and deodorant that can cause discoloration
UNDERSTANDING NATURAL AGING
- Not all fading is failure. Well-made garments develop character through wear: Natural dyes tend to soften evenly, creating vintage appeal
- Quality prints develop subtle variations rather than stark patches
- Handwoven fabrics gain texture and drape with use.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
- New garments may release excess dye in first washes - this is normal
- Block-printed items benefit from extra gentle handling to preserve hand-applied designs
- Linen and cotton respond well to cold water care and actually strengthen when wet
- Striped patterns show fading less obviously than solid colors
At Mohur Studio, our block-printed shirts combine traditional techniques with contemporary designs. Following these care guidelines helps maintain their vibrancy while allowing the natural character of handspun cotton and linen to emerge. Cold water, mild detergent, shade drying - simple practices that ensure colors age beautifully rather than simply disappearing.