If you’ve recently added a handblock printed saree to your wardrobe, congratulations! Whether you picked it up in person from a store or chose to buy cotton or silk sarees online, you’ve invested in something truly special. These sarees, with their intricate designs and rich fabrics, are not just garments—they’re works of art. But like any work of art, they require a bit of care to keep them looking their best.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through some simple dos and don’ts to ensure your hand block printed saree stays as vibrant and beautiful as the day you got it. Whether you’ve bought a light, airy cotton saree or a silk saree online, these tips will help you maintain the fabric’s integrity and the print’s brilliance.
By the way, we at Mogasu are the OG goan saree brand! Do check out our sarees on our website. We design saree prints that are inspired by Goa and hand block print them on the softest fabrics such as mul cotton, linen, chanderi silk and kota doria.
The Dos: How to Keep Your Saree in Tip-Top Shape
1. Do Wash with Care
Handblock printed sarees are delicate, so they need to be washed with extra love. The first thing to remember is that handwashing is always preferable. If you’ve just bought a Goan saree or another handblock printed sari, resist the urge to toss it into the washing machine. Machine washing can be too harsh on the fabric and the print.
For the first wash, use cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid bleach or any strong chemicals as they can fade the colors. A gentle soak and a light rub with your hands are all that’s needed. Rinse thoroughly and hang your sari in a shaded area to dry. Direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade, so always dry your saree in the shade.
Pro tip: If you line dry mul sarees, you can totally avoid ironing them after they dry.
Just in case the saree comes with a dry clean only label, do follow the same. Not all sarees are printed with the same techniques, and the variations could lead to such labels.
2. Do Store Properly
How you store your saree is just as important as how you wash it. After you buy cotton sarees online or pick up a new piece from your favourite shop, you’ll want to store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging your sarees on metal hangers, as these can rust and stain the fabric. Instead, use wooden or padded hangers.
For long-term storage, fold your sarees with a muslin cloth. This breathable fabric will protect your sari from dust and moisture without trapping any dampness, which can lead to mildew. If you’ve bought silk sarees online, be extra careful about where you store them. Silk is prone to absorbing odours, so keep it away from strong smells like perfumes or mothballs.
3. Do Iron with Caution
Ironing your saree is necessary to keep it looking crisp and fresh, but it’s important to do it correctly. Always iron your handblock printed saree on the reverse side to protect the print. If you’re working with cotton, you can use a medium to high heat setting, but if it’s a silk sari, stick to a lower temperature. Silk is sensitive to heat, and too much can cause it to lose its sheen or even burn.
Another tip: place a cotton cloth over the sari before ironing. This extra layer adds protection and ensures that the iron doesn’t come into direct contact with the fabric. Remember, slow and steady wins the race—take your time to avoid any mishaps. You can follow this tip for your delicate silk sarees.
4. Do Air Out Your Sarees Regularly
One of the best ways to keep your sarees in great shape is to let them breathe. Every few months, take your sarees out of storage and let them air out in a shaded area. This helps to keep them fresh and prevents any bad odours from developing. It’s especially important for silk sarees, which can absorb moisture and smells over time.
If you’ve bought a Goan sari with intricate hand block printing, this airing out process is particularly useful especially if you live in a humid area. It helps the fabric relax and keeps the colors from dulling. Plus, it’s a good excuse to revisit your collection and admire your beautiful sarees!
The Don’ts: What to Avoid for Longevity
1. Don’t Use Harsh Detergents
When it comes to washing your handblock printed sarees, less is more. Avoid using harsh detergents, as they can strip the fabric of its natural oils and fade the print. If you’ve purchased a sari made of delicate cotton or silk, this is even more critical. Always opt for a gentle, pH-neutral detergent, or better yet, one specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
If you’ve just bought a Goan saree or a similar handblock printed piece, it’s worth doing a little test. Mix a small amount of detergent with water and apply it to a hidden area of the saree. If the colors stay put, you’re good to go; if they start to bleed, dilute the detergent further.
2. Don’t Soak for Too Long
Soaking is a good way to loosen dirt and grime, but soaking for too long can do more harm than good. If you’ve bought cotton sarees online, you’ll know they can handle a bit of soaking, but even then, you shouldn’t leave them submerged for more than 5-10 minutes. For silk sarees, keep the soaking time even shorter—no more than three minutes.
Long soaks can weaken the fibers and cause the colors to bleed, especially with handblock printed designs. If your sari has a particularly stubborn stain, try spot cleaning it with a mild detergent and cold water, rather than soaking the entire sari.
3. Don’t Dry in Direct Sunlight
I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: Never dry your sarees in direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays can fade the vibrant colours of your handblock printed saree and weaken the fabric over time. Always find a shaded spot where your sari can dry naturally without exposure to harsh sunlight.
If you’ve invested in a Goan saree with bright, tropical colours, this is particularly important. The last thing you want is for those beautiful hues to lose their lustre. And remember, silk sarees are even more sensitive, so always be extra cautious.
4. Don’t Spray Perfume or Deodorant Directly on the Saree
We all love smelling good, but spraying perfume or deodorant directly on your saree is a big no-no. These products often contain alcohol and other chemicals that can damage the fabric and fade the print. If you need a little fragrance boost, apply your perfume before putting on your sari.
This is especially important for silk sarees, which are more absorbent than cotton. If you’ve just bought a beautiful silk saree online, take care not to let any perfumes or body sprays come into direct contact with it. The same goes for Goan sarees or any handblock printed sari—they’re all better off without a spritz of perfume.
5. Don’t Overload the Iron
We all want our sarees to look perfectly pressed, but overloading the iron with heat or steam is not the way to go. Handblock printed sarees are delicate, and too much heat can cause the print to fade or even burn the fabric. As mentioned earlier, always iron on the reverse side and use a medium or low heat setting.
If you’ve bought a Goan saree or any sari with intricate block prints, consider using a steam iron with care. Too much steam can cause the colors to run or the fabric to warp. A little patience goes a long way in keeping your sarees looking their best.
Caring for Different Fabrics
The care routine for your handblock printed saree will vary depending on the fabric. If you’ve bought cotton sarees online, you’ll find them relatively easy to care for—they’re durable and can handle more wear and tear. However, they still need gentle washing and proper storage to maintain their vibrancy.
Silk sarees, on the other hand, are more delicate and require extra caution. If you’ve purchased a silk sari online, always handle it with care. Avoid any rough handling, and be particularly cautious with washing and ironing. Silk is known for its luxurious feel, but it’s also prone to damage if not treated properly.
Final Thoughts: Love Your Sarees, and They’ll Love You Back
Your handblock printed sarees are more than just clothing—they’re a part of your heritage, your style, and your story. Whether you’ve bought a Goan saree for its vibrant colors or a silk sari online for a special occasion, these pieces deserve to be cherished and cared for.
By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll ensure that your sarees stay as beautiful as the day you first draped them. So go ahead, wear your sarees with pride, and remember that a little love and care go a long way in keeping them looking their best. After all, every time you drape a saree, you’re not just wearing a piece of fabric—you’re carrying a piece of art, tradition, and culture with you.
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