How to Remove Stains From Silk Saris

Sari is an elegant wear for an Indian woman. A silk sari makes it even better. Silk sarees are compulsory for wedding and other special occasions, especially in South India, they are not daily used like other synthetic and cotton saris. In the same way, they are more expensive than other saris. So it is mandatory for us to take care of silk saris. Here are some tips which came from personal use as well as from relatives and friends. I hope those who are in need of these tips will find them useful.

• When the silk saris are kept folded for a very long time without opening them out, especially the very expensive saris like wedding saris, the folds can spoil the beauty of your sari. To avoid this, it is better to open out occasionally and fold them back in different way. This is to be practised even if you are not going to wear the sari. Just opening out and folding them back helps not to spoil the folds.
• After attending a function at home or outside, sometimes a minor stain can occur on the silk saris. The moment you notice it wash it immediately with plain water.
• Never wash your silk saris along with your other fabrics. The silk saris need to be washed individually and carefully.
• If you are ironing the silk saris at home iron with mild or medium heat, preferably keeping another cotton cloth inside it.
• After a use clean it a and keep it in a sari box. If you are planning to give it for dry cleaning, give it just before the next use. Dry cleaning and keeping it for a longer time unused damages the sari.
• Never store the silk saris and other silk fabrics in plastic bags. Instead, store them in cotton cloth or cotton bag.

• Eucalyptus oil is useful to remove all kinds of stains from silk saris.
• Shampoo can be used in a bucketful of water for removing grease stains from silk saris.
• If ready made starch is not available, starch made out of dry tapioca powder, can be used for silk saris.
• To get the starchy effect and shine to silk saris, use three pinches of cooking soda to a cup of water and use this water while pressing the sari.
• To remove stains from a zari sari, rub shikakai powder on the stained material and rinse with water.