Saree Care Instructions
How to Care for Kalamkari sarees
Here are some tips on how to wash and maintain Kalamkari sarees
- Hand washing is the gentlest method of cleaning Kalamkari sarees.
- Before the first wash, pre-soak your Kalamkari saree for 15-20 minutes in a bucket of cold water with a tablespoon of salt. This helps set the colours and minimises the risk of discolouration.
- Rinse the saree in cold water until all the detergents are removed.
- After rinsing, gently press the excess water from the saree by patting it with a clean, dry towel. Do not wring or twist the fabric, as this can damage the prints.
- Hang the saree in a shaded area away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade colours over time.
- Store your Kalamkari saree in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- To protect the prints, place a thin cotton or muslin cloth between the saree and the iron. Iron the reverse side of the saree on low to medium heat.
- Periodically change the folds of your saree to prevent creases over time.
PRODUCT PROPERTIES
Colour Variations-
The colors you see on our website will depend on the accuracy of your monitor for which subtle variations must be acknowledged. Actual colors may vary based on the computer/mobile display settings or due to studio lighting. All the pictures are of actual products and we try to match the picture colors as close to the product as possible.
For Hand dyed & Hand painted sarees, the print might have slight irregularities in the motif & colours which results from the human involvement in the process & is a hallmark of handcrafted products.
Colour Binding & Bleed-
Since hand dyed fabrics use natural dyes, it may rub dry, leave marks or bleed colour on coming in contact with water for the first time. The colours that are used are not fast and we do not use any colour binding agents. Hence it is required that you get these products Dry Cleaned Only.
One must be very careful when applying fragrances to handmade clothes as the ingredients may cause your clothes to remove print or stain. It's best to spray lightly into the air in front of you then walk directly into the spritz.
How to Care for Silk Sarees
Taking care of a beautiful silk saree is like nurturing a piece of art. With the right care, it can last for generations, looking as stunning as the day you bought it.
Here is a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to care for your precious silk sarees.
1. The First Wash: Handle with Extra Care
The very first wash is crucial for a silk saree. It’s always best to be extra cautious.
Actionable Advice:
Dry Clean the First Time: For the first couple of washes, I highly recommend getting your saree dry-cleaned. This helps to set the color and ensures the fabric is treated professionally.
If You Must Wash at Home: If you decide to wash it at home for the first time, do a small patch test. Dip a corner of the saree in cold water to see if the color bleeds.
2. Washing Your Silk Saree at Home
After the first few dry cleans, you can consider washing your silk saree at home. Just be gentle!
Prepare the Water: Fill a bucket with cold water and add a small amount of your mild detergent.
Gentle Wash: Dip the saree into the soapy water and gently swish it around for a few minutes. Never use a brush or scrub the saree, as this can damage the delicate silk fibers.
Rinse Thoroughly: Take the saree out and rinse it two or three times in plain cold water until all the soap is gone.
3. Drying Your Silk Saree
How you dry your saree is just as important as how you wash it.
Actionable Advice:
Don’t Squeeze or Wring: Never twist or wring the saree to remove excess water. This will cause wrinkles and can tear the fabric. Instead, gently squeeze the water out.
Roll it in a Towel: A great trick is to lay the saree flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel and the saree together and press gently. This will absorb most of the water.
Dry in the Shade: Always dry your silk saree in the shade, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the colors to fade. Hang it on a padded hanger or a clothesline where it can dry flat.
4. Ironing Your Silk Saree
A perfectly ironed silk saree looks incredibly elegant. Here’s how to do it right.
Actionable Advice:
Set the Right Temperature: Set your iron to the lowest heat setting or the "Silk" setting.
Iron While Damp: It’s best to iron the saree when it is still slightly damp. This makes it easier to get rid of wrinkles.
Use a Pressing Cloth: Always place a thin cotton cloth or a piece of muslin over the saree before ironing. Never place a hot iron directly on the silk.
Iron on the Reverse Side: If possible, iron the saree on its reverse side to protect the intricate zari (metallic thread) work.
5. Storing Your Silk Saree
Proper storage will keep your saree safe from damage and ready to wear for any occasion.
Actionable Advice:
Wrap it Up: The best way to store a silk saree is to wrap it in a muslin or pure cotton cloth. This allows the fabric to breathe. Avoid storing it in plastic covers, which can cause the zari to turn black.
Fold Carefully: Fold the saree with the zari work on the inside to protect it from exposure to the air. It's a good idea to refold your sarees every few months to prevent them from tearing along the fold lines.
Keep it in a Dark, Dry Place: Store your sarees in a dark, dry cupboard or wardrobe, away from sunlight and moisture.
Use Naphthalene Balls (with caution): You can use naphthalene balls to protect against moths, but don't place them in direct contact with the saree. Wrap them in a piece of cloth and place them in the corners of your wardrobe.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your beautiful silk sarees remain a cherished part of your wardrobe for years to come. Happy wearing!
How to Care for Cotton Sarees
Cotton sarees are such a wonderful choice. They are comfortable, breathable, and have a timeless elegance. Taking care of them is quite straightforward, and with a little effort, you can keep them looking fresh and crisp for years.
Let's walk through how you can care for your cotton sarees, just like you'd share tips with a friend.
1. The First Wash: Setting the Stage
Just like with silks, the first wash for a cotton saree is important, especially for brightly colored or hand-printed ones.
Actionable Advice:
Soak in Salt Water: Before the very first wash, it’s a fantastic idea to soak your cotton saree in a bucket of lukewarm water with a tablespoon of rock salt for about 15-20 minutes. This helps to lock in the colors and prevent them from bleeding.
Patch Test: If you’re worried about a particular color running, you can always test a small, inconspicuous corner first.
2. Washing Your Cotton Saree
Cotton is a sturdy fabric, but a gentle approach is always best to maintain its texture and color.
Hand Washing (Recommended):
Use a Mild Detergent: Fill a bucket with cold or lukewarm water and add a small amount of a gentle liquid detergent. Harsh detergents can be tough on the colors and fibers.
Gentle Dip & Swish: Submerge the saree and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes. Gently swish it around. Avoid using a hard brush or scrubbing vigorously, especially on printed or embroidered areas.
Rinse Well: Drain the soapy water and rinse the saree 2-3 times with clean, cold water until the detergent is completely gone.
Machine Washing (If you must):
Choose a Gentle Cycle: If you're short on time and need to use a washing machine, always opt for the 'delicate' or 'gentle' cycle.
Use a Laundry Bag: Place the saree in a mesh laundry bag to prevent it from getting tangled or snagged with other clothes.
Wash with Similar Colors: Always wash it with other cotton fabrics of similar colors.
3. The Magic of Starching
One of the signature qualities of a great cotton saree is that crisp, fresh feel. The secret? Starch!
Actionable Advice:
How to Starch: After the final rinse, you can dip the saree in a bucket containing a light starch solution. You can buy ready-made starch or make your own by boiling rice water (kanji) and diluting it.
Even Application: Make sure the saree is fully submerged so the starch is applied evenly.
Squeeze Gently: After starching, gently squeeze out the excess water. Do not wring it out, as this will create stubborn wrinkles.
4. Drying Your Cotton Saree
Proper drying is key to avoiding faded colors and wrinkles.
Actionable Advice:
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Just like with silk, direct, harsh sunlight can be a color killer. It’s best to dry your cotton saree in the shade.
Spread it Out: If possible, hang the saree on a clothesline, spreading it out as much as you can. This allows for better air circulation and faster, more even drying. Hanging it over a couple of lines will help prevent a sharp crease in the middle.
5. Ironing for a Crisp Finish
A well-ironed cotton saree is a thing of beauty.
Actionable Advice:
Iron While Slightly Damp: Cotton is much easier to iron when it's still a little damp. It helps the iron glide smoothly and removes creases effectively.
Use the Right Heat: Set your iron to the 'Cotton' setting or a medium-to-high temperature.
Spray Water: Keep a small water spray bottle handy. If you encounter a stubborn wrinkle, a little spritz of water will help flatten it out.
Iron Dark Colors Inside-Out: To prevent dark-colored sarees from getting a "sheen" from the iron, it's a good practice to iron them on the reverse side.
6. Storing Your Cotton Saree
Storing your saree correctly ensures it's ready to go whenever you are.
Actionable Advice:
Cool, Dry Place: Store your cotton sarees in a clean, dry, and dark wardrobe.
Hanging is Best: Unlike heavy silks, light-to-medium weight cotton sarees can be hung on a padded hanger. This is actually better than folding, as it prevents crease lines from setting in.
Avoid Plastic: Don't store them in plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew or yellowing. A simple cloth bag is a much better option if you need to cover it.
By following these easy steps, you can keep your cotton sarees looking fabulous and feeling comfortable every time you wear them!