How To Maintain Your Kanjivaram Silk Saree?

When you talk of the rich handlooms of India, the traditional South Indian Kanjivaram saree will find its mention at the top. The regal saree is made with intricately woven silk fabric and is the number one choice for weddings and other ceremonies. However, the delicate silk of the luxurious saree requires utmost care and maintenance to retain its shine and lustre. After all, they're an expensive investment, and you want them to always look gorgeous.

Tips to Maintain Your Kanjivaram Saree

We've curated the essential tips and tricks to maintain Kanjivaram saree that will keep them as good as new. Follow them while cleaning and storing your saree, and see the saree last for generations!

Washing Tips for Your Kanjivaram Saree

Dry Cleaning

With a saree as luxurious as Kanjivaram, it is best to trust a skilled hand for washing and cleaning. So professional dry cleaning is recommended after every 2 to 3 uses. Professional dry cleaners perfectly remove stains from the saree (if any) while keeping the shine and lustre intact.

Home Washing

• Wash the saree in cold water only for the first three washes. Hot water may weaken the silk fibre of your beloved saree
• You can apply a little shampoo after the third wash. Avoid using harsh detergent.
• Wash your saree, pallu and border separately with soft hands. Avoid using a brush as it may damage the saree.
• In case you have stains, give them for dry cleaning without delay. The longer you leave the stain, the harder it becomes to remove.

Folding Your Kanjivaram Saree Properly

The zari is the main highlight in many Kanjivaram sarees. So you must fold your saree in a way that protects the zari and preserves its shine. The best way would be to fold it with the zari inwards. Also, make sure you do not create too many creases while folding. It may affect the look of the saree.

Right Way to Store Your Kanjivaram Saree Properly

Elegant sarees like Kanjivaram are not meant to be stored along with other cotton sarees or silk sarees. Warp them separately in a muslin cloth to keep their beauty unflawed, and store them on flat shelves. The step ensures their longevity. Avoid using plastic bags or newsprint for wrapping the saree. Choose cotton cloth instead if you don't have a muslin.

Air Out Your Saree

Airing your Kanjivaram saree every once in a while is essential to prevent colour fade and preserve the yarn around the folds. So unfold it every 2 to 3 months and spread it in the shade for at least 30 minutes before refolding and putting it back. You can air it within the room too, but never in sunlight. 

Avoiding Colour Fading

Do your sarees often lose their sheen after a few months of buying? That is because of improper storage. To avoid colour fading and retain the natural colour of your Kanjivaram sarees, you must store them in a cool, dry place. Do not put your saree in direct reach of sunlight. Sunlight dulls the original colour and turns it into a fainter shade.

Say No to Wringing

Wringing is a big no as far as the Kanjivaram saree is concerned. It will cause permanent wrinkles and spoil your saree. Instead, you can roll it in a dry towel to soak the extra moisture. Then hang it in the shade on a padded hanger for further drying.

Put a Layer Before You Iron Your Saree

Refrain from ironing your beautiful Kanjivaram sarees directly. Direct iron damages the silk iron, and the saree will lose its shine. Always put a layer of cloth on top of it and then iron it. Steam irons are best preferred for silk sarees. They remove creases without stressing the fabric.

Avoid Drying Saree Directly in Sunlight

Do not dry your Kanjeevaram silk saree in direct sunlight. Dry it inside your home or shaded area where harsh sunlight won't reach it.

Maintaining the Freshness of the Saree

Folding your saree with sun-dried neem leaves will keep the saree fresh and the insects at bay. If you're planning to store them for a long time, you can use silica gel to avoid fungus growth. However, avoid using naphthalene balls or spraying air fresheners where you keep your sarees. They tend to discolour the zari and damage their texture.

Final Words

Follow the above tips, and your Kanjivaram saree will stay as new as the wedding day!

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FAQs

The secret to the longevity of a Kanjivram saree is its proper storage. Always wrap your sarees with a muslin cloth and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not forget to air them once every 2 to 3 months

Is it better to hang or fold sarees?

It is best not to hang silk or hand-woven sarees to avoid tearing at folds. Better fold the sarees with the zari part inward and store them on flat shelves separate from other cotton or silk ones. However, do not fold them very tightly, as they can get wrinkled.