Costly sarees are not only just garments. The most of them are constructed out of light fabric, fancy design, zari, sequins, or hand-weaved patterns which require special care. Silk, Banarasi, Kanjeevaram, chiffon, georgette, and other expensive sarees will lose their luster, color, and texture due to improper washing or storage.
Saree care starts from getting to know about the material and applying proper cleaning and storage methods. Doing that correctly, you will make your beloved saris live for long.
Steps to Wash Expensive Sarees Correctly
1. Look at the Care Tag First
It is important to look at the information about the care before starting to wash any valuable saree. It can say that the garment should be washed by hands, dry-cleaned or professionally cleaned. If there are zari, embroidery and other decorations on the saree, avoid experiments with hand washing.
2. Check for Bleeding of the Color
In some traditional fabrics and dark-colored sarees, the color can bleed on contact with water. If it is allowed to hand wash the saree, then it will be better to check if there is bleeding of the color by rubbing a white cloth against the saree.
3. Use Mild Detergents for Washing
In case of sarees which can be hand-washed, use mild detergents meant for delicate fabrics. Stay away from detergents, bleach, softeners and stain removing agents, as all these items may ruin delicate fibers or colors.
4. Never Wash Aggressively
An expensive saree must never be washed too violently, no matter whether there is a stain or not. Rubbing will ruin the fabric itself, the embroidery, the zari or the finishing of the saree.
5. Do Not Twist or Wring
When you wash your saree, do not twist or wring it to get rid of the water. You will create some lasting creases if you do this. Instead of wringing the saree, gently squeeze it using clean towels.
6. Dry the Saree Properly
The sun can bleach the colors of your garment and can ruin any delicate material. Hang your saree to dry under shade and in a place where there is good air circulation. Using the dryer will work only when it is recommended on the label.
Steps to Store Expensive Sarees Safely
1. Clean Saree before Storing
It is important to never store a saree straight away after its wear without considering if it requires cleaning. Skin oils, sweat, perfumes, food particles, etc., may draw bugs and lead to staining in the future. The saree should be cleaned and dried before storing for a long time.
2. Store Saree in Soft Material
High-priced sarees should be stored in clean, soft muslin or cotton cloths. It should not be stored in plastic covers for a long time because moisture might cause bad smell.
3. Fold with Caution
Sarees should be folded on their natural fold lines and not create very sharp folds. If the sarees are heavily decorated with zari work or embroidery, they should be re-folded after some time so that the same folds do not bear the weight of the fabric for years.
4. Store Safely Away from Humidity
Ensure that the sarees are kept in a cool and dry place far from the bathroom, kitchen, leaking walls, or areas with moisture.
5. Safeguard From Insects
Insect attacks can be possible for fabrics made of silk or any other material. Clean the storage place and check for insects in the sarees now and then. Use of moth repelling materials should be such that it is kept from direct contact with textiles unless specifically made for textile storage.
6. Periodic Examination of Sarees
Do not keep expensive sarees without looking after them for years together. Periodical examination of sarees and airing them in the shade should be done. It will also provide an opportunity to detect any stains, detached embroidery or any fabric deterioration.
Why Professional Dry Cleaning Can Be a Better Choice
If the saree happens to be very expensive or vintage or has been decorated extensively or has been made from delicate fabric, then it should be cleaned by professionals rather than washing it at home.
There are many professional services available for such purpose; one such service that may prove to be quite handy is DhobiLite Dry Cleaning Services.
This will ensure that no color bleeding takes place and the fabric is not damaged in any way. Rather than applying a conventional method of washing a valuable saree, it can be preserved and its lifespan increased.
Cleaning before storage is a wise step when it comes to expensive sarees. This is because cleaning will ensure that any sweat, oil or dirt does not leave difficult stains in the future.
Conclusion
Maintaining the expensive saree need not necessarily be difficult. The important thing is to keep away from any rough treatment while cleaning and to stay away from such things as exposure to sunlight and incorrect storage. Always take care of the saree in the manner that is advised according to its fabric type, and always go in for professional cleaning if required.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to wash expensive silk sarees at home?
Expensive silk sarees cannot be always hand washed at home. Some silk sarees can be washed at home, but you should make sure that your saree is suitable for hand washing.
2. How to store saree for an extended period of time?
It is necessary to clean and dry saree prior to its storage. Wrap your saree in fabric and store it in a dry and cool place without any moisture.
3. Is it possible to apply dry cleaning for expensive sarees?
Dry cleaning of sarees may be recommended under some circumstances when dealing with expensive items.
