Printed fabrics represent a combination of creativity, technique and quality that can enrich any fashion garment or accessory. However, in order to preserve the beauty and vibrancy of colours and patterns over time, it is essential to adopt appropriate care practices. Careful care can prevent them from fading, becoming damaged or losing their originality, while keeping the elegance of the garment intact.
This article offers practical advice on how to care for printed fabrics, suggesting good practices for washing, drying and storage, and pointing out common mistakes to avoid.
The importance of proper care
Printed fabrics, whether silk, cotton or linen, are often delicate.
Inadequate care can compromise their aesthetic and structural quality. Maintaining vibrant colours, preventing prints from warping or fading, and preserving the softness of the material are key objectives for owners of printed fabric garments.
Proper care of these fabrics is not only a way to prolong their life, but also to maintain the elegance and original appearance of the product, ensuring that it continues to shine as brightly as it was created.
How to care for printed fabrics
1. Washing
Washing is a crucial step in maintaining the quality of printed fabrics. To protect the colours and texture of the fabric, here are a few things to follow.
- Read the label: Every printed fabric has specific washing instructions. Following the instructions on the label is the first step to avoid mistakes.
- Hand-wash or gentle cycle: Delicate fabrics such as silk or linen should be hand-washed or at most machine-washed on a delicate cycle in cold water.
- Use of mild detergents: Avoid using harsh detergents or bleaching agents that could damage fibres and discolour prints. Opt for mild detergents specifically for coloured garments or fine fabrics.
- Wash separately: To prevent colour transfer, always wash printed fabrics separately from other garments, especially if they are particularly dark or bright.
2. Drying
After washing, drying also requires care.
- Avoid tumble drying: tumble drying can damage printed fabrics, causing the material to shrink or the prints to fade. It is preferable to air dry fabrics, preferably by laying them on a flat surface to prevent warping.
- Do not expose fabrics to direct sunlight: UV rays can alter the vividness of colours and make the print dull. Stretching the garments in a shaded area ensures safe drying without damaging the fabric tones.
3. Storage
Correct storage is just as important for preserving printed fabrics in the long term.
- Store in a dry and cool place: moisture can cause mould and damage fabrics, while excessive heat can discolour prints. Also avoid storing printed items in plastic bags, preferring breathable containers such as fabric or cotton boxes.
- Fold correctly: To prevent garments from warping or becoming damaged over time, fold the fabric carefully along the seams and not at random points in the print.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even the best intentions can lead to mistakes if you are not experienced with the maintenance of printed fabrics. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Using water that is too hot: Hot water can seriously damage the colours of printed fabrics, causing fading or distortion.
- Ironing directly onto prints: Ironing prints directly can ruin them. Always use a protective cloth between the iron and the fabric, or iron the garment inside out.
- Using fabric softeners: Fabric softeners can alter the fibre structure and affect the quality of prints, making them less defined.
Printed fabric care at Papis: maintaining elegance over time
Papis not only guarantees the quality of its printed fabrics, but also supports customers in their proper care. Each fabric produced is accompanied by detailed guidelines on how to care for it, ensuring that customers can maintain the beauty and durability of the products over time. Whether silk, cotton or linen, Papis provides tips on washing, drying and storage specific to each material.
The company’s commitment does not stop with sales, but continues with after-sales support, ensuring that fabrics maintain quality and longevity. This integrated approach represents an added value for those who choose Papis as their supplier of high quality fabrics.
Taking care of printed fabrics is essential to ensure that their beauty and quality remain intact over time. By following the appropriate washing, drying and storage guidelines, the elegance and vivid colours of these garments can be enjoyed for a long time.
Papis, with its experience and attention to detail, provides not only high quality fabrics, but also the necessary support to preserve their durability.
