Handloom Sarees and How You Can Keep Them Forever Fresh
About Handloom Sarees:
A treasured jewel of Indian traditional wear is the handloom saree. Handloom sarees include Kanjeevaram, Banarasi, Tussar, Resham and Jaei,Ikkat, Patola, Lakamkaris and other South Indian Silk saree. The sheer simplicity of these handloom sarees hides its magic of elegant, ornate designs and embellishments that can transform you into a diva in a jiffy. It is true, beauty comes with a cost which is why these gorgeous sarees are required to take special care of. This does not mean that you need to spend any money on maintaining them; however you do need to handle them with a lot of attention and care as they are extremely delicate. It often occurs that even though you have kept your saree nicely folded in one place, unpredictable environmental conditions can affect it and cause corrosion, staining or wear and tear. There are simple and easy precautions you can take to wash and store your saree to keep it new for ages to come.
How to Wash a Handloom Saree with Care:
- Before washing your saree with soap, soak it in salt water for some time. However, don’t keep it soaked for overnight or for excess time. This might cause discoloration.
- Don’t make use of a brush, not even for a stain. This can cause tearing of the material.
- After soaking the saree in salt water, rinse with water 2-3 times before proceeding to use detergent.
- Do not use warm or hot water. Handloom sarees are delicate which is why cold water is perfect for use.
- Make sure you invest in a good quality detergent from a reputed brand to hand wash the saree. Mild detergents work best. Do not use dyes, bleach or any form of harsh stain removers for handloom sarees.
- To remove a stain, wet the stained area with water and apply a thick coat of white toothpaste on both sides of the stained area. Let the saree dry as you let it hang for 3-4 days after which you can wash off the toothpaste from the saree and you’ll see that the stain has vanished. If it is an oil stain, sprinkle talcum powder and allow it to soak in the oiliness. Rub it gently and wash off. In case of tougher stains it is advisable to get the saree dry cleaned.
- Do not crumple the saree while washing or at least try to minimize it as it may cause the fabric to crease.
- Using a washing machine might seem like a simpler choice but never use it to wash handloom sarees.
How to Dry The Saree and Store It:
Avoid drying the saree under direct sunlight and instead dry it partially in shade. Fold the saree and wrap it in s large towel to soak out the water from it. Do not squeeze the saree. Make sure the saree is completely dry before you store it. Store it in a light cotton muslin cloth and keep it in a dark dry place to avoid fading.
