FABRIC CARE

 

Essential tips for Preserving the Beauty and Longevity of Your Sarees.

Here's a guide to fabric care for various types of sarees:

1. Cotton Sarees

  • Washing: Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent. Avoid soaking for long.
  • Drying: Dry in the shade to prevent color fading.
  • Ironing: Use a medium to hot iron. Place a cloth on top to avoid direct heat.
  • Storage: Fold neatly and store in a cool, dry place. Add naphthalene balls or neem leaves to avoid pests.

2. Silk Sarees (Pure and Art Silk)

  • Washing: Dry clean only for best results. Avoid washing at home as it may weaken the fabric.
  • Drying: Avoid direct sunlight; air dry in the shade.
  • Ironing: Use a low-heat iron or a steam iron. Place a cloth over the saree while ironing.
  • Storage: Wrap in a muslin cloth and store in a dry place. Avoid plastic covers, as they may cause moisture buildup.

3. Chiffon and Georgette Sarees

  • Washing: Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid wringing or scrubbing.
  • Drying: Air dry on a flat surface to maintain shape. Avoid direct sunlight.
  • Ironing: Use a low-heat iron with a protective layer (cloth) in between.
  • Storage: Store flat or rolled to prevent creases.

4. Crepe Sarees

  • Washing: Dry clean recommended. If washing at home, use cold water and a mild detergent.
  • Drying: Hang dry in the shade. Do not wring.
  • Ironing: Use a low-heat iron, preferably with a cloth barrier.
  • Storage: Fold or hang on padded hangers to maintain the texture.

5. Banarasi and Kanjeevaram Sarees

  • Washing: Always opt for dry cleaning to preserve zari and intricate work.
  • Drying: Air dry flat in the shade. Avoid hanging to prevent stretching.
  • Ironing: Use a steam iron with care over zari areas.
  • Storage: Fold with tissue paper and store in a muslin bag. Refold periodically to avoid permanent creases.

6. Linen Sarees

  • Washing: Hand wash in lukewarm water with mild detergent. Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
  • Drying: Air dry flat in the shade to maintain structure.
  • Ironing: Use a medium to high heat iron. Steam ironing works best.
  • Storage: Fold neatly and store in a cool, dry place.

7. Synthetic Sarees (Polyester, Nylon, etc.)

  • Washing: Machine wash in a gentle cycle with cold water.
  • Drying: Air dry or tumble dry on low heat.
  • Ironing: Use a low-heat iron or avoid ironing if wrinkle-free.
  • Storage: Store folded or rolled to save space.

8. Net Sarees

  • Washing: Hand wash delicately in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid wringing.
  • Drying: Lay flat to dry in the shade.
  • Ironing: Avoid ironing if possible. Use steam lightly to remove wrinkles.
  • Storage: Store flat to avoid snagging on other fabrics.

9. Handloom Sarees

  • Washing: Hand wash in cold water separately to avoid color bleeding.
  • Drying: Dry in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
  • Ironing: Use medium heat and a cloth barrier.
  • Storage: Fold and store with neem leaves or silica gel to prevent pest damage.

10. Velvet Sarees

  • Washing: Dry clean only to maintain the texture and sheen.
  • Drying: Air dry flat. Avoid wringing or squeezing.
  • Ironing: Avoid ironing. Use steam to remove wrinkles if necessary.
  • Storage: Store in a breathable fabric bag to prevent crushing.

General Tips for All Sarees

  1. Rotate storage folds every 3-6 months to avoid permanent creases.
  2. Use anti-pest measures like neem leaves, cloves, or silica gel for long-term storage.
  3. Keep sarees in breathable fabric bags, not plastic, to prevent moisture buildup.
  4. Always store sarees away from direct sunlight and high humidity to maintain color and texture.