How to wash silk sarees at home?

Silk sarees are delicate and expensive, so there is a lot of debate regarding how to wash them and if you can wash them at home. Washing fabrics like silk may seem no less than a Catch-22 situation owing to its delicate nature. Read the label of the saree to check what the manufacturer has recommended. In some instances, they recommend dry cleaning as the only cleansing option.

However, if you are inclined to wash your silks at home, you may test for their colorfastness. Just dip a cotton swab in a mild laundry detergent and rub it over a hidden silk seam to check for any possible fading effect. If the dye color used on the saree comes off on the swab, refrain from washing it with the detergent. It usually happens in brightly colored silk sarees or those designed containing intricate embroideries in bright silk threads.

Washing your silk sarees at home

Alternatively, you can wash your silk clothes in cold water. Hand washing your silk sarees at home to make them last longer is easy if you follow the following necessary steps:

Step 1:

Take a large bucket, fill it with cold water and dip your silk saree in it. Remember that hand-washing the saree with cold water is always the best option. Rubbing the fabric against itself will create friction and remove the suds stuck in the fiber.

Step 2:

To cleanse more thoroughly, add two tablespoons of vinegar and water combination and mix it well. Soak your silk saree in the solution for 15-20 minutes. Rinsing with white vinegar is a trick that not many know, but the fact is that the effect of white vinegar leaves silk garments lustrous and ensures that they retain their polish and shine.

Step 3:

Next, place your saree in another bucket of cold water mixed with a mild, quality detergent. Ensure that the detergent (powder or liquid) you use is mild to protect your saree fabric from losing its color or shrinking. Also, check that the detergent you use does not contain bleach and has anti-color fading properties.

Step 4:

Rinse your fabric in the detergent liquid gently in the bucket of water. Alternatively, you can also rinse the saree in running tap water.

Step 5:

Do not squeeze your saree to dry it. Instead, use multiple soft, dry towels, place them carefully around the silk saree to soak the water. Once the excess water is gone, air-dry the saree in the shade.

Step 6:

Check every nook and corner of your silk saree to ensure it is dry and isn't damp from anywhere. Once done, wrap it up in a muslin cloth and store it in a cupboard.

Cleaning off stains from silk

Hand washing silk sarees can only clean them but not remove the unwanted stains. To clean off the stains caused by antiperspirants or deodorants, use a diluted vinegar solution or lime juice with water to wipe them off properly. For more persistent stains due to chocolate or cosmetics, mix mild ammonia into lukewarm water and use the solution to clean the garment.

Oil stains are trickier to get rid of, and hence in such cases, you can use a dash of talcum powder to soak up the oil. While cleaning stains, you must take immediate action with specific spot treatments to ensure positive results.

Use only cold or lukewarm water to wash your silk. Silk sarees are prone to shrinkage. Take a look at the label for details before you pour in your favorite silk saree for washing.