Even though Durga Puja is over, your post-festival chores aren’t done yet. You’ve styled five different sarees over the past few days — each of them being unique and, of course, special to you. Now, it’s time to take proper care of them so they don’t get ruined. Whether it’s a Dhakai Jamdani, Handloom cotton, or rich Silk, every saree needs careful handling. Follow these five tips to keep them looking as good as new.
1) Identify which sarees need handwashing and which require dry cleaning.
Before cleaning, check which sarees can be washed at home and which should be sent for dry cleaning. Don’t keep dirty sarees piled up for too long or else they may get damaged.
2) Remove stains immediately.
If you’ve spilled food on your saree, don’t fold it away with the stain still on. Rinse the stained area with cold water and gently scrub it using mild liquid soap. For oil stains, sprinkle talcum powder or use a little glycerin.
3) Dust off before washing.
Before washing, shake off any dust. If the border or hem has mud stains, clean them thoroughly as storing a saree with dirt can cause long-term damage.
4) Don’t fold or hang sarees the same way for long.
Change the folding pattern from time to time. Keeping a saree folded the same way can cause creases to stick. Avoid hanging silk sarees for long periods as it can damage the zari work. Instead, store them in saree bags, refold occasionally, and air them out in the sun sometimes.
5) Prevent insect damage.
Always dry your sarees properly before storing them in the cupboard. Keep mothballs (naphthalene) or dried neem leaves in the corners of your cupboard or saree shelf — this prevents insects and keeps your sarees fresh.
