Washing a crepe saree at home requires a gentle approach to maintain its delicate fabric. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you do it right:
Preparing Your Crepe Saree for Washing
- Check the Care Label: Always begin by reviewing the care label on your saree. This will give you specific instructions from the manufacturer regarding washing.
- Pre-Treat Stains: If your saree has any visible stains, pre-treat them gently. Dab the stained area with a mild stain remover or a solution of cool water and gentle soap, ensuring not to rub harshly.
- Gather Your Supplies: You will need a large washbasin or tub, cool water, a mild detergent or baby shampoo, and a soft towel.
Washing Your Crepe Saree
Hand Washing Method
This method is recommended for crepe sarees as it is the most gentle:
- Fill the basin: Fill a clean basin or tub with cool water.
- Add Baby Shampoo: Instead of laundry detergent, add a small amount of gentle baby shampoo to the water. This is a popular DIY method for delicate fabrics like silk. According to the provided reference, using baby shampoo instead of laundry detergent is a gentle way to clean silk items (and by extension crepe fabric).
- Mix the water: Stir the water gently to distribute the baby shampoo evenly.
- Submerge the saree: Place your crepe saree carefully into the water, ensuring it is fully submerged.
- Soak gently: Let the saree soak for a few minutes (around 5-10 minutes). Do not rub or agitate the fabric harshly.
- Rinse thoroughly: Remove the saree from the soapy water. Drain the basin and refill it with fresh cool water. Gently rinse the saree until all traces of the shampoo are gone. Repeat rinsing if needed.
Things to Avoid
- Machine Washing: Avoid washing crepe sarees in a washing machine, as it can be too rough and damage the delicate fabric.
- Hot Water: Never use hot water as it can cause shrinkage and damage to the fabric.
- Harsh Detergents: Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach, as they can damage the saree's color and texture.
- Vigorous Rubbing: Avoid rubbing, twisting or squeezing the saree when washing or rinsing.
Drying Your Crepe Saree
- Gently Remove Water: Once rinsed, gently lift the saree from the water, being careful not to squeeze or twist the fabric.
- Lay Flat: Place the saree on a clean, dry, light-colored towel and roll it up gently to absorb excess water.
- Air Dry: After absorbing excess water, lay the saree flat on a clean, dry surface or hang it indoors away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not hang the saree in direct sunlight as the color may fade.
- Avoid Direct Heat: Do not use a clothes dryer or direct heat sources, as they can shrink and damage the delicate crepe fabric.
Ironing Your Crepe Saree
- Iron When Slightly Damp: Iron your crepe saree when it is slightly damp. This helps in removing creases effectively.
- Low Heat Setting: Use a low heat setting on your iron.
- Iron on the Reverse: Iron the saree on the reverse side to prevent any damage to the front. You can also place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the saree for extra protection.
Summary Table
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Check care label, pre-treat stains, gather supplies |
| Washing | Use cool water, mild baby shampoo, submerge saree, soak gently, rinse thoroughly |
| Drying | Gently remove water, lay flat on a towel, air dry indoors away from direct sunlight |
| Ironing | Iron slightly damp on reverse, low heat, use thin cotton cloth as buffer |
| Avoid | Machine wash, hot water, harsh detergents, vigorous rubbing, direct heat for drying |
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively wash your crepe saree at home, keeping it looking beautiful for years to come.
