Handloom sarees like Banarasi, Tussar, Kancheepuram, Ikkat, Patola, Kalamkaris are literally the jewels of Indian handloom wear. They have both financial and emotional values. Their ornate and classy look and embellishment can transform you from a simple to a gorgeous diva just in a few moments.
Handloom sarees should be properly taken care of with proper attention since they are very much delicate. But these sarees are often prone to environmental corrosion, regular wear and tear, and staining. And thus they should be maintained trickily, smartly and skillfully. They should be preferably handed over to a reliable dry cleaner for wash. This might require you to pay a bit more, but it is worth. Also you need to handle them with optimal care. But if you can’t afford, you can take the matter into your hands to avoid any unintentional laundry mistakes.
Here Are Some Useful Tips To Taking Proper Care Of Your Handloom Sarees.
How To Wash
- Before you soak them in mild soap water, keep them soaked in plain salt water for some time. But don’t keep them soaked longer as it may cause discolouration.
- After soaking in salt water, rinse them with cold water twice before using detergent. You must use superior quality mild liquid detergent from reputed brands for hand washing the sarees. Never ever use any bleach, hard detergent, harsh stain removers.
- Soak in soap water for only some time followed by washing it off.
- Don’t bundle them up as it may cause fabric creasing.
- Don’t use brush as it may tear the fabric.
- Never use warm water and never put the sarees in washing machine.
Any reputed Handloom Saree Retailers are likely to intimate you about these washing tips.
How To Dry
- It takes patience to dry your expensive handloom sarees. Avoid putting them under direct sunlight in order to avoid discolouration. Better you dry them in partial shade.
- Don’t wring them to squeeze out excess water as this may cause permanent creases of the fabric. Better you wrap handloom saree in absorbent light- coloured clean towels and press gently to squeeze water.
- Dry handloom sarees separately. Otherwise, bleeding colours of other garments can damage the fabric in an irreversible manner.
How To Store
Handloom sarees can be well preserved by properly storing them. And here are some quick information shared by Traditional Saree Retailers.
- Before you keep them in the closet, make sure your sarees are absolutely dry. Remember, moisture can damage fabric. It may lead to growth of fungus on the fabric.
- Keep the sarees wrapped in a piece of clean light-coloured cotton or muslin so air can pass through while protecting them from potential environmental moisture.
- Store the sarees in dark and dry place to avoid fading.
- Better you store them vertically in the closet. But don’t use metal hanger as this may leave rust stains on the fabric. You can use plastic hangers instead.
- To avoid pest attack, use pest repellent cubes, naphthalene balls or neem leaves.
- Change the folds of the sarees occasionally to avoid permanent creases.
These are a few important handloom saree maintenance tips following which you can preserve the original beauty of the saree intact.
