It is not going to be hard to maintain your precious Kanchipuram Silk Sarees at home if you do some smart work with a little care. While you adore these magnificent outfits to wear on special occasions, it is also important to maintain their glory and luster for a long period of time. After all, the precious and beloved attires always require some good practices to be preserved for longer durations.
Is that ok to wash silk fabrics at home?
Your doubt is very common and is frequently asked by many. Since silk fabrics are very delicate, most women feel hesitant to wash them at home. Despite the fact that it is suggested to give dry cleaning for the professional washing, still you can do it at home also with precautionary and cautious steps.
● You can wash your newly purchased sarees for at least 3-4 times without washing. After wearing them, just hang them in sunlight where the direct rays are not exposed and you can fold them.
● Even after 4 times of wearing, don’t use detergent for washing. Soak the saree in salt water for around 20-30 minutes and rinse with good water. Never use hot water for washing or rinsing the clothes. Only use cold water to preserve the nature of fabric.
● If you are going to up wash it in your home, it should be done with cold water and using a gentle shampoo. Avoid the usage of harsh chemicals, detergents and liquids that are prone to cause damage on your cherished outfits.
● Wash two to three times with plain water and use mild detergent or liquid for washing.
● Don’t use brush or scrub the saree rigorously. Give immediate attention when stains happened on the attire. If you have faced any stains, you can use lime water to remove the stains. But ensure you don’t leave the residue of lemon juice on the cloth, as it may make fading of the dress.
● White vinegar or white petrol can also be used for removing stains.
● For stubborn stains, soak the stained area in petrol and slightly scrub tit with a soft piece of cloth. For tough stains that you can’t manage, it is better to give it to dry clean for best results.
● Don’t soak the saree for a long time in water or never bundle or leash it while washing or rinsing.
● If you would like to machine wash the saree, look for the washing instruction that has come with your clothing. If it is advisable, then you do it in the washing machine. However, wash it separately and do not mix with any other color fastening materials. Use only the cold water option and you can set the mode to hand wash or delicate mode for washing.
● It is advisable not to use spin option while using the washing machine. You can stop after rinsing and take the saree out for drying.
Drying tips
● Don’t dry the saree in direct sunlight which may cause discoloration of the fabric.
● Never twist or wrinkle the cloth. You can squeeze the excess water by hanging.
● Don’t use areas like painted surfaces, fences, window sills or any rusty clothes racks to dry the clothes. It will stain the fabric.
● Dry the dresses separately and don’t color bleeding clothes to overlay on the silk sarees.
● You can also dry it using the method: Take a neat and clean towel and place it on a table. Place your Kanchipuram Silk Sarees on this towel and roll the towel from one side to the other. The towel will absorb all the moisture and make it almost dry. Hang the saree in a shady place to remove the pending moisture on it.
Ironing
● Use only low or medium heat for pressing or ironing the attire.
● Don’t iron the saree directly, instead you can use paper on the saree and press it. Always ensure higher heat is not applied to the clothing to avoid fabric damage.
● Steam iron is good for silk fabrics. Don’t use any newspaper or similar type of papers for ironing.
Storing and maintaining
● Keep the clothes in a place free from moisture and insects.
● Often remove the fold to avoid damages on the folded area and refold it frequently.
● Don’t place cotton or other material dresses to be stored with Kanchipuram Silk Sarees. Wrap it separately in a pure cotton cloth or muslin fabric for a good life of the attire.
