Care and Store our Traditional Sarees:
Traditional sarees are timeless pieces of art that often carry sentimental value, reflecting cultural heritage and tradition. Proper care and storage ensure their longevity, preserving their beauty for years to come. Here at Amira Fashion Store, we provide detailed guidance to help care and store our traditional sarees effectively.
14 Best care and store our traditional sarees?
Traditional sarees hold immense cultural, emotional and monetary value. Proper care and storage is essential to maintain their charm and quality over the years. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Understand the Fabric
Different sarees require specific care depending on their fabric. Here’s how to approach it:
- Silk Sarees: These are delicate and need careful handling. Avoid harsh detergents and exposure to sunlight.
- Cotton Sarees: While sturdy, they can lose color if not washed properly.
- Chiffon and Georgette Sarees: Lightweight fabrics that are prone to tears and snags. Handle with care.
- Banarasi Sarees: Known for their zari work, they require dry cleaning and careful storage to maintain the metallic threads.
2. Washing Guidelines
Proper washing practices are key to maintaining sarees:
- Hand Wash vs. Dry Cleaning:
- Always dry clean silk, Banarasi, and heavily embroidered sarees.
- Cotton, chiffon, and synthetic sarees can be hand washed with a mild detergent.
- Pre-Wash Check: Test for color fastness by dipping a small corner in water. If color bleeds, opt for dry cleaning.
- Use Cold Water: Hot water can damage fabrics and cause colors to fade.
- Avoid Rubbing: Gently soak and rinse the saree without scrubbing to prevent damage.
3. Drying Techniques
Drying your sarees properly ensures they retain their color and shape:
- Air Dry in Shade: Direct sunlight can fade colors, especially in silk and cotton sarees.
- Use a Hanger: Hang sarees lengthwise on a padded hanger to prevent creases.
- Avoid Wringing: Press out water gently without twisting the fabric.
4. Ironing Tips
Ironing restores the saree’s crispness and smoothness:
- Use a Low Heat Setting: Silk and synthetic fabrics can scorch under high heat.
- Use a Press Cloth: Place a cotton cloth over the saree while ironing to avoid direct heat contact.
- Iron in Sections: Work on small sections to avoid stretching or damaging intricate designs.
5. Storing Sarees Safely
Proper storage is essential to keep your sarees in pristine condition:
- Separate Fabrics: Store silk, cotton, and synthetic sarees separately to avoid fabric transfer or damage.
- Use Muslin Cloth: Wrap each saree in a muslin or cotton cloth to protect it from dust and moisture.
- Avoid Plastic Bags: Plastic traps moisture, which can lead to mildew or discoloration.
- Use Wooden Shelves: Store sarees in a cool, dry place, preferably on wooden shelves lined with paper.
- Change Folds Regularly: Refold sarees every three months to prevent permanent creases.
6. Special Care for Embellished Sarees
Heavily embroidered sarees, especially those with zari, beads, or sequins, need extra attention:
- Store Flat: Avoid hanging these sarees as the weight can distort the fabric.
- Use Tissue Paper: Place acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent tarnishing and creases.
- Avoid Perfume Contact: Perfume and deodorants can damage delicate embellishments.
7. Protecting Sarees from Pests
Pests like moths and silverfish can ruin traditional sarees. Here’s how to keep them safe:
- Use Neem Leaves or Mothballs: Place these in storage areas to deter pests.
- Lavender or Camphor Sachets: These are natural repellents and leave a pleasant fragrance.
- Ensure Ventilation: Keep the storage space dry and well-ventilated to avoid mildew.
8. Travel-Friendly Storage
When traveling with sarees, ensure they remain unscathed:
- Roll Instead of Folding: Rolling sarees minimizes creases and saves space.
- Use Travel Pouches: Opt for breathable pouches or saree covers for added protection.
- Avoid Overpacking: Allow space for sarees to breathe and avoid crushing delicate fabrics.
9. Restoring Vintage Sarees
For heirloom sarees, special care is necessary to revive and maintain their charm:
- Professional Cleaning: Take antique sarees to specialists for cleaning and repairs.
- Reinforce Weak Areas: Mend small tears or loose embellishments promptly.
- Air Them Out: Occasionally expose them to fresh air in a shaded area to prevent odor buildup.
10. Long-Term Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance ensures your sarees remain a part of your wardrobe for decades:
- Rotate Usage: Use all your sarees periodically to prevent prolonged storage damage.
- Inspect Regularly: Check for signs of wear, tears, or pests.
- Avoid Prolonged Sunlight: When displaying sarees, ensure they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
- Professional Help: When in doubt, consult fabric care professionals for advice on cleaning and storage.
11. Emergency Tips for Stains
Accidents happen, and knowing how to handle stains can save your saree:
- Act Quickly: Blot stains immediately with a clean, damp cloth.
- Avoid Rubbing: Rubbing spreads the stain and damages the fabric.
- Use Fabric-Specific Solutions:
- For silk, use a mild stain remover or take it to a professional.
- For cotton, a mix of water and white vinegar can help with stubborn stains.
12. Modern Storage Solutions
Take advantage of modern products designed for saree care:
- Saree Hangers: These come with multiple clips and padding to hold sarees without causing damage.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Ideal for infrequently worn sarees, keeping them protected from moisture and pests.
- Silica Gel Packets: Place these in storage spaces to absorb excess moisture.
13. Tips for Specific Saree Types
Each type of saree has unique requirements. Here’s a quick reference guide:
- Kanjeevaram Sarees: Air them regularly and store with neem leaves to protect the zari.
- Chanderi Sarees: Fold carefully along the zari lines to avoid creasing.
- Paithani Sarees: Wrap in soft cloth to protect the delicate weave.
- Linen Sarees: Store in a dry, cool place to prevent fabric stiffness.
14. Avoid Common Mistakes
Be mindful of these common errors when caring for sarees:
- Using Harsh Detergents: These can strip the fabric of its natural oils and colors.
- Ignoring Creases: Prolonged creasing can weaken fabric threads.
- Storing Without Cleaning: Always clean sarees before storage to avoid stains setting in.
Conclusion:
Traditional sarees are not just garments; they are a legacy. By understanding their specific care requirements and adopting proper storage practices, you can ensure they remain vibrant and beautiful for generations. With these detailed tips, your sarees will continue to grace special occasions and tell stories of elegance and tradition.