Keep Your Bridal Kanchivaram Sarees as Good as New With These 6 Tips and Tricks

Kanchivaram sarees are known for their grandeur and are often passed down from one generation to the other as an heirloom. These sarees are treated like royal gems and diamonds. No Indian woman will ever say no to a kanchivaram saree because these sarees make her look like a goddess! But, with such sarees, also comes a lot of responsibility to keep them everlasting and gorgeous. How about taking a look at the tips that will guide you on how to store and take care of them?

1. How to keep them in the wardrobe

There are a few tips to store kanchivaram sarees. You simply cannot hang them on metal hangers just like your other sarees or clothes. Do take a look at some important points:

Wrapping: One rule of thumb when storing these silk sarees is that you have to wrap them first using paper or fabric like cotton.

Exposing to sunlight: Your kanchivaram sarees need to be shown sunlight before storing in the cupboard. This is essential to maintain their shine and colour.

No metal hangers: These sarees must never be hung from metal hangers like your other clothes. Doing this can leave marks that may never go away, rendering your kanchivaram sarees useless.

Folding separately: No two silk sarees must be stored together. Each kanchivaram saree has to be stored separately in cotton covers. But, before doing it, you need to fold each of these separately.

Changing the folds: Often, you will find that your old silk saree has developed creases. In order to prevent this, keep changing the folds often.

2. How to iron it properly?

kanchivaram sarees are very costly and delicate, and thus, need a lot of care when ironing. These may get damaged quickly if you do not pay attention when ironing. Look at the following tips to know more in this regard:

Never use more force when ironing: Since these sarees are delicate in nature, make sure to use your hands very lightly when ironing. Using too much force can burn the saree.

Switch on the right temperature: Never ever make the mistake of ironing your kanchivaram saree at a temperature that is not prescribed for silks. Set the temperature of your iron to silk and then only begin ironing.

Create a cover: Never iron this saree without a covering on top. Usually, cotton cloth is used as a cover over these sarees. This is done so as not to burn the saree.

Use steam iron: Always use steam iron when ironing this saree as it removes all kinds of creases and lends a clean look to it.

3. Regaining its shine

Many times you will find that your kanchivaram silk saree has lost its sheen and colour. To regain the original look, take about one gallon of water in a bucket, and then add distilled white vinegar, about one-fourth cup to it. Wash the saree with this mixture, but ensure that you rinse it well. If you leave the vinegar on the silk, you will most likely cause damage to it.

4. Don't wash, dry-clean only

kanchivaram sarees must never be washed at home as per general rule of thumb. Most people cause unrepairable damage to its fabric by using the wrong kind of detergents and bleaches. It’s always better to give them for dry cleaning, especially the first time. However, if you do not have an option for dry-cleaning, and have to do it at home, you must use mild shampoo or soap for washing it. Also, use cold water only. Never wash these sarees together unless they are of the same colour. Never use bleaches or hard detergents to wash your kanchivaram sarees. These sarees must be dried using only fresh air and not any artificial dryer. Also, you must never twist these sarees when drying.

5. How to keep them free of wrinkles

Do not wring these after washing. Always iron using only one movement rather than moving back and forth. This will prevent any damage to the saree. Never wrap this saree immediately after ironing. Always wait till it becomes cool.

6. How to remove stains

Your kanchivaram saree might develop or catch a stain, courtesy of food items or oil. How will you remove these stains? Take a look at a few of these tips for better understanding: Sprinkling of talcum powder: This is one quick fix for removal of any stains on kanchivaram sarees. All you have to do is sprinkle a copious amount of talcum powder over the stained part for some time. After the powder has soaked the oil, wash it with water. You can use a little hot water in this case. Use mild shampoo: Always use a mild variety of shampoo for removing hard stains on your kanchivaram saree.

kanchivaram sarees must be maintained in order to retain their grandeur. Just follow these above-mentioned tips to keep them beautiful so that they can be passed down to the next generation. Also, ask your wedding photographer and wedding videographer, present at your wedding venue, to click as many pictures of you as possible! 

Have more tips and tricks to add? Let us know through comments.