Preservation and Maintenance of Banarasi Sarees
India has amazing talent in weaving textiles spread across every corner of the country with different varieties of fabric, design, embroidery in different regions. Varanasi has the distinction being, perhaps, the oldest one recorded by various foreign travellers and explorers. Banarasi Saree is the most prized possession as the traditional wear of all Indian Woman, however modern she is, in her choice of dresses. Delicateness of expensive Banarasi Saree demands very special care for its sheer elegance. In this article, we are going to talk about the Maintenance of Banarasi Sarees.
The Nature of its intricate weaving style of the gracious textiles of Banaras can be handed down through two or three generations, if, taken care and handled properly. Let us discuss this aspect.
Pure Handloom Silk or Katan Fabric
Silk is an expensive, naturally and painstakingly acquired animal product, hence, requires delicate handling and extra effort to preserve by the user.
Utmost care should be taken while washing at home with water. Still, it is advised to get it dry washed at professional and expert launderettes.
Always keep it wrapped in soft cotton cloth and store at the dry & cool place and avoid direct exposer to Sunlight as it may cause discolouration and brittle the fabric.
Use indirect iron press on different fabric at different temperature and avoid using water spray as it may leave an indelible stain on the fabric.
Suggested: Types of Banarasi Sarees, Fabrics and Designs
Organza & Tissue
These are extremely delicate fabrics that brittles easily.
Never hang them in the folded position for as it may cause brittleness at the folds. Wrap them with fine cotton cloth around a stick to pass the air through it. Otherwise, unfold & refold at a regular interval, to avoid any damage to the folds.
Take the precaution as mentioned for Pure Silk too.
Georgette & Chiffon
These are lightweight fabric and susceptible to damage in case of tying them tightly. Never use safety pins on it as it may get torn easily.
These sarees, usually, come with heavily embroidered Zari Border. Never leave them on the hanger as the heavy border may cause irreparable damage to the fabric.
For the rest, follow same precautions as mention above.
Cotton
Cotton is most suitable for Indian Climate; hence, it is most favourite daily wear for women of this region. It requires little attention during washing with water.
Never soak for too long.
Wash different shades of same colour together, but never mix them with other colours while washing. Consciously avoid Black, darker shade of Blue or any other dark colour with lighter colours.
Avoid squeezing hard while rinsing.
Always dry them in shade.
Use starch after washing. The fabric looks lustrous & shiny.
If the use of Moth Balls is unavoidable, put them in a fine cotton bags and place in the cupboard. Avoid direct contact with both.
How to preserve & maintain Pure Silk Handloom Fabric
Pure Silk Handloom Fabric, especially Saree, finds a dedicated and distinguished space in the wardrobes of women of Indian Subcontinent. Pure Silk Sarees or Katan Silk Sarees are highly treasured possession among women of this region.
Incidentally, a saree of superior fabric with more intricate designed requires more intense maintenance to keep its lustre intact. Though, it is preferable to avail the services of professional launderette, yet, one can wash with water carefully at home too.
Below are some important precautionary guidelines to wash Pure Silk Katan Fabrics at home using water. Washing & cleaning of saree is crucial for its longevity and lustre.
- Take one saree at a time for washing.
- Must soak in salty water for 15 minutes, while washing for the first time, then rinse a couple of times with plain water.
- Never use hard detergent at any stage. Use mild detergent. Don’t keep it soaked for too long.
- Mildly wash Pallu & Border, rub softly by hand and rinse quickly.
- Never use a brush It will damage the yarn.
- A fresh stain must be handled immediately using water if the patrol is not available instantly and rub the stain mildly with the help of cotton.
- Never iron silk saree at a high temperature.
- Avoid using chemical moth/bug repellers, instead, use dried Margosa(Neem/नीम)