The radiating beauty of saree is nevertheless the most iconic of all the Indian outfits for women. This piece of fabric comes with all the grace and culture that you need to embed in your personality for any event. Sarees come in a myriad of fabrics like georgette cotton, silk and whatnot and all these fabrics ask for some special care to stay fresh as new. Many people think that only dry cleaning their saree can help in it being as good as it was when bought. But, let us tell you that it is totally feasible to wash your saree at home. With a little bit of good tips and techniques to use here and there, you can be all set to wash your sarees perfectly at home. Without any further ado, let’s explore all the right ways to wash your cotton, silk or any other sarees at home all by yourself.
How to Wash Silk Sarees at Home
The beautiful and evergreen silk saree comes with a beauty that needs undivided attention while caring for it. Here’s how you can care delicately for it.
1. Pre-Wash Preparation
- Always check the label as many pure silk sarees recommend dry cleaning, especially if they have zari work on them.
- If washing at home, test a small corner of the saree to check for color bleeding.
2. Hand Wash with Care
Hand washing is the safest method for silk sarees. Here’s how:
- Use cold water: Hot water can damage the silk fibres and cause colors to fade.
- Choose a mild detergent: Opt for a detergent specifically designed for silk or use a mild shampoo.
- Avoid soaking: Prolonged soaking can weaken the fabric. Dip and gently swish the saree for 2–3 minutes.
3. Rinse Gently
Use cold and clean water to rinse the saree and remove all the detergent from it. Later on, add a teaspoon of vinegar to a bucket and use it for the final rinse to restore the natural beauty of your silk saree. Make sure that you don’t wring or scrub the fabric as it can cause certain damage to it.
4. Drying
- Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing.
- Spread the saree flat on a clean surface in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can cause silk to fade.
- Avoid using clothespins that can leave marks on the fabric.
How to Wash Cotton Sarees
Cotton sarees are the most comfortable of all the sarees that are out there in the market. The light fabric makes it easier for women to carry it around without having to compromise on their ethnic beauty. The fabric is quite low maintenance but still needs a bit of proper care to stay fresh.
1. Pre-Wash for New Sarees
- New cotton sarees often have excess dye. Before the first wash:
- Soak the saree in cold water with a handful of salt or a tablespoon of vinegar. This helps fix the color and prevent bleeding.
2. Washing Instructions
Separate colors: Wash bright or dark-colored cotton sarees separately to avoid dye transfer.
Use cold or lukewarm water: Hot water can cause shrinkage and color fading.
Hand wash or machine wash: While cotton can handle machine washing, it’s safer to use the gentle cycle with a mild detergent.
3. Drying Tips
- Shake the saree after washing to minimize wrinkles.
- Dry in a shaded area to preserve the color. Direct sunlight can bleach the fabric.
- To maintain the saree’s crispness, consider starching it during the final rinse.
Washing Other Saree Fabrics
1. Georgette and Chiffon Sarees
Georgette and chiffon are the loveliest soft, flowy fabric that has pretty much of a vintage charm. These sarees are loved for their comfort and easy draping factor. Given below are a few tips to take care of your georgette and chiffon sarees in a perfect way.
- Use cold water and a mild detergent to wash your georgette and chiffon sarees at home. Make sure to not wring or scrub the fabric as it can cause damage.
- These fabrics can lose shape if hung while wet. Spread them flat to dry.
- Use a low heat setting and always iron on the reverse side.
2. Linen Sarees
Linen sarees are quite a breathable outfit but they are quite prone to wrinkles and that is why it needs to be taken care of and ironed properly. Here are three tips to ensure while washing your linen sarees at home.
- Wash in cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent, you can even use baby shampoo.
- Avoid over-soaking as linen can lose its natural texture.
- Iron while the fabric is slightly damp for a crisp finish.
3. Synthetic Sarees (Polyester, Crepe, etc.)
Synthetic sarees are low-maintenance but still require care and here’s how you can do it.
- The machine washes on a gentle cycle using cold water.
- Avoid high heat when ironing as synthetic fabrics can melt.
Washing sarees at home is not only cost-effective but also gives you control over how they are handled. With the right techniques, you can keep your silk, cotton, and other saree drapes looking as beautiful as the day you bought them. Remember, sarees are timeless treasures—treat them with the love and care they deserve, and they will continue to grace you with their elegance for years to come.
