How should cotton kurtis be washed to prevent colour fading?

Cotton kurtis — especially those with digital block prints or Jaipuri prints — are vulnerable to colour fading with improper washing. Here is the correct process:

1. First wash: Soak separately in cold water with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar for 30 minutes before the first wash. This helps set the dye.
2. Always cold water: Hot water opens cotton fibres and releases dye rapidly. Use cold or cool water only.
3. Gentle detergent: Use mild detergent — avoid harsh detergents with bleaching agents (most powder detergents contain optical brighteners that fade prints).
4. Turn inside out: Wash the kurti inside out to protect the printed surface from agitation.
5. Do not soak for too long: Even in cold water, soaking longer than 30 minutes increases dye loss.
6. Dry in shade: Direct sunlight is the single biggest cause of cotton print fading — always dry in shade or indoors.