How to care for your Designer Kurtis: Washing, Storing, and Maintaining
Whether it's a festival, an engagement ceremony, a wedding, or other festivities, traditional or semi-formal Indian attire for women must include a Stitched Salwar Suit or a designer kurti, which is a statement piece.
But, somehow, a question always comes to mind.
How do I wash it, care for it, and even maintain its pristine condition? Isn't it?
Well, keeping a designer kurti in top-notch condition can feel like a headache. Don't worry. With the proper care routine, your kurtis will remain as vibrant and fabulous as the day you bought them.
Check some easy-peasy tips for washing, storing, and maintaining these beauties.
1. Washing Instructions
Check the Label
The first thing you should look for before washing a designer kurti is how to care for it, as indicated on the care label. The best option is to go through the care instructions on the website itself when you decide to order the garment. Well, if you skipped it, no worries. You can check it before washing it on the care label.
Some fabrics, such as silk, georgette, or heavily embroidered kurtis, may require dry cleaning. For other materials, handwashing is often the safest option.
Hand Washing Tips
- Use Cold Water: Fill a bucket with cold water to avoid shrinking or color bleeding.
- Mild Detergents: Opt for mild detergents or baby shampoos to protect delicate fabrics.
- Gentle Agitation: Gently swirl the kurti in the water rather than scrubbing or wringing it. This prevents damage to intricate embroidery or embellishments.
Machine Washing (If Allowed)
- Choose a delicate cycle.
- Use a laundry bag to safeguard the fabric.
- Wash similar colors together to prevent color transfer from one cloth to another.
Stain Removal
If you see a stain on your stitched salwar suit or kurti, avoid harsh chemicals to remove it. Instead, wipe the spot gently by mixing water and mild detergent or vinegar. For tough stains that you believe you wouldn't be able to remove, consult a professional cleaner.
2. Drying Techniques
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Sun exposure can fade vibrant colors and weaken fibers. So, try to dry your kurti on a balcony where direct sunlight doesn't fall, or if you want to dry it on your house's roof, make sure it has proper shade.
- Lay Flat to Dry: Place your kurti on a clean towel to protect the kurti's shape and prevent stretching.
3. Storing Your Kurtis
Fold, Don’t Hang
Hanging kurtis, especially those with heavy embroidery, can stretch the fabric over time. Instead, neatly fold them to maintain their shape.
Use Breathable Bags
Store kurtis in muslin or cotton bags to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup. Avoid plastic covers, as they can trap humidity and lead to mildew.
Silica Gel Packets
Place silica gel packets in your wardrobe or storage box where you want to store the designer kurti to absorb moisture and prevent dampness.
Rotate Regularly
Don’t let your favorite kurtis sit unused for too long. Rotating your wardrobe ensures even wear and prevents the fabric from stiffening.
4. Ironing Your Kurtis
- Low Heat Setting: Try using a low heat setting to avoid burning or discoloration.
- Iron Inside Out: Protect embellishments by turning the kurti inside out or placing a thin cotton cloth over it before ironing.
- Steam Option: If your kurti is made of delicate fabric, use a steamer instead of an iron.
5. Maintaining Longevity
Avoid Overwashing
Frequent washing can wear out fabrics and dull colors. Spot clean small areas instead of washing the entire garment after every wear.
Refresh Between Wears
Hang your kurti in a well-ventilated space to air it out and remove odors without washing it.
Professional Cleaning
For designer kurtis or stitched salwar suits with heavy embroidery or intricate work, consult with a dry cleaning professional, as it will be difficult for you to keep them in pristine condition.
Conclusion
If you want your Designer kurtis or stitched salwar suits to stay as stunning as the day you bought them, remember to follow our easy tips! With a bit of extra care, these beautiful traditional women's wear will not only maintain their elegance but also offer years of durability.
Whether you're going for a casual outing or want to look appealing for a grand celebration, your wardrobe staples will always make you shine and turn heads!
FAQs
- Can I machine wash designer kurtis?
It depends on the fabric and design. If the label permits machine washing, use the delicate cycle on your laundry machine and a laundry bag.
- How do I prevent my kurtis from fading?
To protect the colors, always wash in cold water, use mild detergents, and dry in the shade.
- What’s the best way to store kurtis?
Fold them and store them in breathable muslin or cotton bags. Avoid plastic covers to prevent moisture buildup.
- How do I remove wrinkles from delicate fabrics?
To avoid damage, use a steamer or a low-heat iron with a protective cloth.
- Should I dry clean all embroidered kurtis?
Not necessarily. Light embroidery can often be hand washed, but for heavy or intricate work, dry cleaning is safer.