Tips to Maintain & Increase The Life of Your Cotton Saree

Cotton sarees are a traditional choice for every saree fan because they never go out of style or trend! As convenient as they are to transport, the maintenance that goes with them must be carefully followed in order to increase their longevity and keep them looking as good as new. Pure cotton sarees crease readily due to their delicate and soft nature, and they require regular care to preserve. Do you want to know how to care for a cotton saree and extend the life of your favourite cotton sarees? We’ll explain how –

1. How To Wash Cotton sarees

Taking care of your cotton saree begins with understanding how to wash it. Don’t we all prefer to wash our cotton sarees at home? However, here are a few tips on how to properly wash it –

• Use gentle detergents to clean handlooms. 
• Remember to wash them individually because they will most likely leave colour after the first few washes.
• Soak your saree in warm water with 2-3 spoonfuls of salt for 15 minutes to lock in the colour and prevent it from fading in future washing.
• Soak your saree in warm water along with Soapberry or Washnuts – ‘Ritha’ to condition and soften it.

2. Drying

Remember to never dry your cotton saree in the sun since it can lose its colour. Dry them in the shade; preferably, flipping the garment over to the wrong side prevents fading from heat. Hang it straight down without any folds for natural rigidity.

3. Maintenance

Maintain cotton sarees, starch plays an important function since it naturally adds stiffness and crispiness to the saree. Starch your cotton sarees for that sharp, edgy aesthetic that has us all swooning. If you wish to manufacture your own homemade liquid starch, you may need the following ingredients: 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 2 cups water, and a spray bottle Shake well before spraying. The starch can be stored in the refrigerator.

4. Storing

Aside from properly cleaning your treasured cotton sarees, another important aspect in their upkeep is properly storing them. Simply throwing them in a stack would merely exacerbate creases and impede their weave. The fabric may soon begin to wear away as well! You may always hang them with a hanger in your closet or store them neatly in saree pouches, which are widely accessible in the market or you can order a couple online.

5. Removing Stains

Even if we don’t spill anything on purpose, there are a few stains that can spoil your saree. It is critical to remove stains properly, whether they are caused by oil, grease, lipstick, or something else. Dry cleaning, petrol washing, or rubbing a baking powder + vinegar paste should be the best methods for removing stains. Never use a harsh brush to remove a stain from your saree since it will damage the fabric’s quality. We’ve compiled a list of useful cotton-care tips and tactics for you to try. And rest certain, your sarees will look fantastic!

Try these fantastic cleaning tips right now.

1) Wash in Cold Water

If you recently purchased a new cotton saree, this would come in handy. 12 buckets of cold water + a handful of rock salt Before washing, soak your saree in this solution for 20-30 minutes. This seals in the colour and keeps it from bleeding throughout the wash. You can thank us afterwards!

2) Select Hand-Washing

Cotton is an extremely sensitive fabric. Though there is no harm in washing your cotton saree on a mild cycle, it is always preferable to hand-wash it separately from other clothing. Do not wash your Cotton sarees with dark-coloured clothing

3) Make Use of a Detergent

Cotton must be handled and managed with care. If you want to hand-wash your saree, try Love and Care Fine Cotton. L&C’s anti-pilling fibers and Pro fibre Care Technology assist to keep the shine, protect the embroidery, and protect cotton clothes from problems like pilling and bobbling. Delicate clothing consisting of silk, wool, or cotton requires special care, and a light detergent can do wonders.

4) Avoid Sunlight

After washing, hang your cotton saree to dry in the shade. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause the fabric to shrink and fade. Cotton sarees can be line-dried and allowed to dry naturally.

5) Iron on the lowest setting

When ironing your saree, choose a low-heat setting. Keep a layer of protection beneath and above your saree while ironing, such as an old, clean cotton bedsheet. Avoid direct heat. 

6) Wrap and store in a cloth

Avoid putting dark cotton sarees alongside lighter ones. The colour imprint may be impacted by remaining moisture at times. You may also preserve them in a cabinet by wrapping them in a dupatta or muslin cloth and tying a knot.

7) Do not use naphthalene balls

Lavender pouches can be used in your clothing to provide aroma while also keeping bugs at bay. However, naphthalene balls should be avoided because the chemicals degrade sari fibres. Cotton sarees are both fashionable and comfortable. Use our simple care guidelines and you’ll be able to show them off for years to come! Although cotton sarees are popular among Indian ladies, they are frequently avoided due to maintenance issues. Colourful sarees lose their rich appearance after just one wash, which is why we have some simple ideas that will help many women pick cotton garments from now on.

Here are some tips for caring for cotton sarees. Just have a peek.

Cotton is always soft and warm. The more you wash it, the softer linen becomes, so keeping the crispness requires forethought. Look for simple ways to keep your cotton sarees and salwar looking as good as new. Cotton Saree Care Instructions –

1. Soak the sarees in warm water mixed with rock salt for 10-15 minutes the first time you wash them. This locks in the colour of the saree and prevents it from fading even after multiple washes.
2. Soap Nuts (also known as Washing Nuts or Ritha) soaked in water will condition cotton sarees and keep them fresh for a long time.
3. Use a store-bought liquid starch to keep your sarees crisp and stain-free. You can also produce your own liquid starch at home.

You Will Need:  Water  Corn Starch  A Bottle (Preferably A Spray Bottle)  Procedure for Making Homemade Starch: Combine one teaspoon of cornstarch and two cups of water (dissolve starch completely). Before using, add to the bottle and shake well. The homemade starch would naturally keep the cotton sarees firm. Add additional cornstarch for thicker cotton sarees and blouses (with cotton lining) (about a teaspoon more). Keep the starch liquid in the refrigerator.  

4. Thoroughly rinse the sarees with water, as the starch may leave a stain on them. Sarees must be dried in the shade.
5. Iron sarees after they are dry and hang them to preserve cotton sarees wrinkle-free for a long period. When ironing sarees, the ideal method is to use a dry iron.

Conclusion

We hope these simple and effective tips help you maintain the beauty of your favourite cotton sarees intact and forever youthful.