Sarees are 6 yards of timeless elegance and beauty. Whether it’s for special occasions or part of your daily attire, sarees need to be properly taken care of in order to maintain their lustre and longevity. The process of taking care of this garment is not the same as others because it is fragile, and sometimes with embellishments. In this guide, we will explore essential tips on how to take care of your sarees, including washing, drying, and storage techniques.
Washing Your Sarees
1. Read the LabelÂ
It is important to always check the care label of the saree before you start washing it. Some garments may have specific washing instructions, such as dry cleaning only, depending on their material, fragility, and other factors.
The label sometimes also tells you how to specifically wash the saree, whether you should soak it in hot water or give it a cold spin. Anything else you do that hasn’t been mentioned on the label can prove to be harmful for your saree. Following these instructions is crucial to preventing any damage, wear, or tear.
2. Separate by color
For any kind of laundry, separating colours only makes sense as there is no risk of colour transfer. Dark and light-coloured sarees should be washed separately to prevent colour bleeding. White sarees must be dry-cleaned or washed separately.
Also, make sure to adjust your washing machine settings to a light or heavy load accordingly. For some stains, put liquid detergent over the stain and use a small brush to gently rub it out. Remember to be very cautious and gentle while brushing to avoid spoiling your saree.
You can also use bleach for plain white sarees but be extremely careful with it as it can spoil your saree. Do not bleach your saree more than once, as it causes the fibres to separate and the saree to tear.
3. Wash it by Hand
The safest, gentlest, and most risk-free method is hand washing. Fill a tub with cold or lukewarm water and add a mild detergent. Gently agitate the water to create foam, then immerse the saree and swish it around. The swishing motion resembles the washing machine motion but is softer.
Make sure to avoid rubbing or twisting the fabric, as this can damage delicate embroidery or embellishments. For embellished sarees, avoid water, as it can cause rusting. Instead, dry clean it, vacuum clean it or brush it with a soft brush to get rid of all the lint, dust or anything else that spoils the saree.
4. Avoid Soaking
While soaking is advised for some sarees, doing it for too long isn’t good either. This can cause the colour to fade very fast. Instead, it is advised to soak them for around 10–15 minutes, wash them promptly and rinse them thoroughly. If you are not satisfied with one wash, you can wash it again in the same manner instead of soaking it for long.
5. Rinse Carefully
When rinsing the saree, use cold water and continue rinsing until all the detergent is washed out. Instead of wringing or twisting the saree, gently squeeze out the excess water. Repeat this process until your saree is damp enough to be air-dried. You can also use a towel to soak out the excess water in the saree after washing. This will quicken the drying process of the saree.
Drying Your Sarees
1. Avoid Direct Sunlight
The colours of your saree can fade over time if kept in direct sunlight. To preserve the vibrancy of your sarees, always dry them in the shade or indoors under a fan. Make sure you don’t dry them in an air-conditioned room, as it will keep the saree damp even after it is dry and leave a weird smell. You can then only get rid of this smell by drying the saree under the sun or washing it all over again.
2. Use a Clothesline
Using metal hangers might cause rusting and leave marks on your saree. Instead, hang the sarees on a padded hanger or a clothesline with plastic or padded clips. This ensures proper air circulation and prevents creasing and staining.
3. Maintain the Shape of the Saree
When hanging sarees, make sure they are evenly spread out on the hanger to maintain their shape and minimise creasing. Avoid hanging them by the pallu, as this can stretch the fabric. If the clothesline is short, fold the saree in a proper manner to avoid creasing. Proper folding will also make it easier for you to fold the saree before keeping it in your wardrobe.
4. Avoid Heat
Never use a tumble dryer, iron, or any direct heat source to dry your sarees. Heat can cause the fabric to lose its sheen and may damage embellishments. Instead, you can use a steam iron to soften the fabric.
Storing Your Sarees
Fold the saree neatly along the length to avoid creasing. Make use of acid-free tissue paper between the folds to prevent the transfer of colours and steer clear of damage to embroidery. Consider storing your sarees in breathable bags or cotton cases. These will protect the fabric from dust and allow it to breathe.
This will also help you stay away from mold and mildew. The next step is to use natural moth repellents like neem leaves to protect your sarees from moths. Ensure that your storage area is clean and insect-free.
Further, long-term storage can cause permanent creases and sometimes rust from the embellishments. Hence, rotate your saree collection periodically and refold them in a different manner to avoid permanence in folds. Lastly, check your sarees regularly for signs of damage—loose threads or missing embellishments—and, when you do spot any, make repairs promptly.
While some sarees may be meant for casual wear, others may hold sentimental or cultural value. Taking good care of your sarees not only maintains their beauty but also helps preserve them. So take these steps to ensure proper care and give your sarees the love that they deserve.
