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Handloom sarees are timeless treasures. They require special care to maintain their elegance and durability. These intricate weaves reflect culture, craftsmanship, and tradition, making them more than just garments—they are investments in heritage. If you’ve recently purchased a handloom saree, WeaverStory brings to you ten essential things you need to know to keep it looking pristine for years to come.
1. Proper Storage
Always store your silk sarees in a breathable muslin cloth. This allows air circulation and prevents moisture buildup. It even helps protect the fabric from mould and helps retain its natural shine. Ensure your storage space is dry and away from direct sunlight, as excessive exposure can lead to color fading and fibre weakening. Also, avoid plastic covers, as they trap moisture and encourage mildew.
WeaverStory recommends keeping your sarees in a separate section of your wardrobe to avoid friction with other fabrics, ensuring their longevity and grace.
2. Folding & Refolding
To prevent permanent creases and fabric damage, it’s essential to change the fold of your saree every 3-6 months. In delicate handloom weaves, continuous folding in the same manner can weaken the fibers. Rolling sarees instead of folding them can also help in preserving their original texture. Take inspiration from traditional storage methods. Keep them rolled in muslin cloth for added protection.
WeaverStory ensures its sarees are carefully folded to retain their longevity and keep the intricate weaves intact.
3. Washing Care
Silk sarees should always be dry-cleaned. This will help maintain their texture and sheen. For cotton handlooms too, dry-cleaning separately in mild detergent is recommended.
Never expose your sarees to direct sunlight. This can cause colors to fade. Keep and dry them in a shaded area or indoors with adequate ventilation.
WeaverStory suggests dry-cleaning all handlooms and gentle handling to keep your saree vibrant for years.
4. Avoid Perfumes & Sprays
Alcohol-based sprays like perfumes and deodorants can weaken silk fibres and tarnish zari work. Always spray perfumes before wearing your saree and allow them to dry completely. Direct contact with alcohol-based products can also lead to discoloration of the delicate threads. If necessary, spray your perfume on your blouse rather than the saree.
WeaverStory emphasizes the importance of keeping your saree free from strong chemicals to preserve its beauty and craftsmanship for generations to come.
5. Ironing Tips
Use a low-heat setting when ironing your handloom saree. If necessary, place a cotton cloth over it while ironing. You can also use a steam iron to avoid direct heat damage. Avoid excessive pressure, especially on zari and embroidered sections, as high heat can cause them to lose their sheen. Hanging your saree properly after ironing can also prevent the formation of additional wrinkles.
WeaverStory suggests steaming as the best way to remove wrinkles while keeping your saree safe and maintaining its elegance.
6. Handle Zari with Care
Zari work is delicate and can lose its shine if not handled properly. Avoid wringing or twisting sarees with zari. Instead, you can loosely roll them while storing them. This ensures the metallic threads remain untangled and untarnished. Keep zari sarees away from excessive moisture, as humidity can tarnish the metallic threads over time.
WeaverStory ensures that every zari-woven saree is made with the highest quality craftsmanship to enhance durability and keep them looking as magnificent as new.
7. Pest Prevention
Moths and insects can damage YOUR handloom sarees, especially silk ones. Place neem leaves or cloves in your storage space to keep pests away. Natural alternatives like dried lavender and cedarwood are also effective in preventing infestations. You must avoid using naphthalene balls, as they can react with silk and cause discoloration. You should regularly air out your sarees and keep them in a clean environment to further prevent insect damage.
WeaverStory recommends natural pest control methods to maintain fabric integrity and ensure the longevity of these treasured weaves.
8. Drape with Care
Certain delicate weaves like Jamdani, Chikankari, and Banarasi sarees can easily snag on sharp jewellery or rough surfaces. Be mindful while draping and accessorizing to prevent accidental damage. Avoid wearing heavy metal bangles or sharp-edged rings that can pull on delicate threads.
WeaverStory suggests opting for smooth-edged jewellery to complement the grace of handwoven drapes while ensuring their safety. Additionally, ensure that your nails are filed properly to avoid unintentional snags on the fabric.
9. Reviving Old Sarees
Over time, handloom sarees may lose their sheen. Cotton sarees can be revived with a light starch wash, while silk sarees benefit from professional polishing. If you notice minor wear and tear, consult an expert to restore the saree’s beauty. Another great way to refresh an old saree is by giving it a new border or pairing it with a stylish blouse to give it a fresh look.
WeaverStory offers expert-recommended care techniques to keep your heirloom pieces as good as new, ensuring that their elegance remains timeless.
10. Pass It On
Handloom sarees are not just outfits; they are heirloom pieces meant to be passed down through generations. Proper care ensures they remain beautiful and wearable for decades. Preserve your saree with love so future generations can cherish it too. Storing a saree with a handwritten note about its history and significance can add emotional value to the heirloom.
WeaverStory believes in the legacy of handloom sarees and encourages the mindful preservation of these artisanal masterpieces. This ensures they continue to be treasured for years to come.
Handloom sarees are a labor of love, each thread woven with passion and dedication. Proper maintenance is the key to ensuring they remain as stunning as the day you first wore them. Shop the finest quality handloom drapes from WeaverStory, and they will become your favorites in no time!
Author : Pallavi Rohatgi Gupta
