Special care of ‘Sarees’ during the lockdown

All of us are locked up in our homes. Therefore, our trendy Sarees are locked up in the almirah too. In order to maintain their gorgeousness and new look, it’s important to take special care of them. 

It’s not enough to buy a Saree out of sudden emotions, but also important to maintain it. Or else, our favorite saree may be spoilt. Besides, Coronavirus adds to the situation. First of all, most of us rarely wear a Saree, on the other hand, due to lack of social ceremonies, we are not getting a chance to exhibit our beauty by draping a Saree of our choice. Our Grannies had been taking extra care of some of the valuable Sarees so that the next generation could drape it as well. These tricks applied by Grannies saved the Sarees from getting an old look.

Tricks for the ‘Bengali’  household

Earlier, the homemakers used to place neem leaves along with its branch, in the corner of their wardrobes. They used to replace the leaves when it dried up. Besides, Cinnamon and Cardamom were placed in the almirah, which prevented the moist odor from getting into the Sarees. 

To maintain a Saree, it is essential to drape it sometimes. Or else, the saree may be discolored. Each time a Saree is draped, before packing it up, it is necessary to place it under the sunlight for a while. 

Sarees such as Jamdanis and Benarasi should be wound around a stick and stored. It can also be folded and kept inside an old Saree. If the Sarees are folded and stored, it is important to place a tressing paper above, below and between each fold. 

Baluchuri and Benarasi sarees should be polished by the handloom, once a year.

Linen, Silk, and Chiffon 

Silk remains in good condition if manually washed at home. It can also be washed with the help of a washing machine in the delicate mode. These Sarees should not be folded after drying and should be dried in the shadow. 

Because of the fashion of the handloom, cotton, and linen sarees have gained popularity. It is easy to maintain them. Cotton sarees keep well if ironed sometimes. Cotton and Linen sarees should be slightly folded and hanged in a wooden hanger. 

Silk, Cotton, and Linen sarees should be soaked in rock salt water for ten minutes, before washing for the first time. Chiffon and Georgette sarees should not be pinned with safety pins. Keep it rolled. Wash manually, using a soft detergent shampoo. 

For Net and Zari work 

Sarees with Zari work should not be stuffed in an almirah as well as hanged in a hanger because it spoils the Zariwork. Packing up in a plastic bag also blackens the fine Zariwork. Zariwork sarees should be kept over a smooth fabric or covered with a muslin cloth while storing. Keep the zari-part covered with velvet and try to place it on the darkest side of the almirah. 

Some more tips! 

Do not place two sarees in a single hanger. Place a soft cotton cloth over any saree and iron it at room temperature. Iron it on the opposite side. 
Tissue bags for storing sarees are easily available. If possible, store your sarees in these bags before placing them on the wooden shelves.

Following these tips in a proper way, shall be effective in maintaining the longevity and elegance of the sarees, while allowing it to be used generation after generations.

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Opinion by Arunima Dutta