A saree is more than just a piece of clothing; it’s a tradition and a symbol of timeless elegance, especially in Kerala, where the beauty of a Kerala pattu saree or a Kerala handloom saree speaks volumes. Whether you wear sarees for special occasions or as a regular attire, taking proper care of them ensures they remain as vibrant and beautiful as the day you bought them. Here’s a guide on how to maintain your sarees, particularly Kerala sarees, to keep them looking great for years to come.
Handle with Care
Kerala sarees, especially the pattu and handloom varieties, are delicate and often made from fine silk and cotton blends. Handling your saree gently is the first step to ensuring its longevity. While opening and closing the saree, it should be done on a clean flat surface to avoid tears and catches. Avoid using safety pins directly on the fabric, as they can cause damage over time.
Washing Tips for Kerala Pattu Sarees
For Kerala pattu sarees, handwashing with care is essential. Silk is a fragile fabric; hence, harsh detergents should not be used. The use of harsh detergents is not advisable whatsoever. A mild detergent or baby shampoo might work much better. Make sure to wash the saree in cold water and rinse it thoroughly. Never mistake the saree to remove excess water; instead, roll it in a clean towel to absorb the moisture.
Dry cleaning is an excellent option for heavy and expensive sarees.
For everyday wear sarees, you can gently hand wash them at home.
Avoid using bleach or strong chemicals that can fade the saree’s color and shine.
Maintaining Kerala Handloom Sarees
Kerala handloom saree are lighter in weight, thus allowing more ventilation and usually requiring less maintenance as compared to pattu sarees. However, the cotton in handloom sarees can easily lose its crispness if not cared for properly. Handloom sarees are best washed with cold water and dried in the shade to maintain their vibrant colors.
Do not machine wash as the rough agitation can cause wear and tear.
Starch your cotton sarees lightly to keep them crisp and fresh for longer periods.
Always store your handloom saree in a clean, dry place to avoid mold and mildew buildup.
Storing Your Saree Properly
The preservation, again to a great extent, depends upon the ways you store them. Always fold the saree nicely and place it in some cool, dry area. While storing silk sarees, you cover them with a muslin cloth so that good ventilation is provided, and accumulation of moisture is not there, which may give rise to fungus.
Refolding of sarees from time to time saves your sarees from permanent creases and weakening of fabrics at folds.
In the case of cotton handloom sarees, placing neem leaves or silica gel packets can avoid damage to the fabric that may be caused due to insects.
Ironing and Steaming
When it comes to ironing, both pattu and handloom sarees need special attention. Silk sarees should be ironed at a low temperature or steamed to remove wrinkles without damaging the delicate fibers. Handloom sarees can handle medium heat, but it’s always best to iron them while slightly damp or using a cotton cloth as a barrier between the saree and the iron.
Kerala Saree Online Shopping Care Instructions
When you invest in sarees through Kerala saree online shopping, you might receive them neatly folded and wrapped in protective materials. Keep these materials for future use, as they are excellent for preserving the fabric during long-term storage. Additionally, always check for care instructions provided by the seller for specific maintenance tips tailored to your saree’s fabric.
Summerize
A well-cared-for saree can serve generations, not as a piece of cloth but as heirlooms. Be it an exclusive Kerala pattu saree or a practical Kerala handloom saree, the right care will make them last long and fresh for years to come. With care in washing, storage, and handling, you might be in a position to wear your sarees during special occasions or on regular days without anxiety about facing damage on the fabric.
So, if you’re thinking of expanding your saree collection, remember that you can explore a wide variety of options through Kerala saree online shopping. If well taken care of, your sarees will be a statement of grace and tradition for generations to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment