A Paithani saree is not a simple garment; it is actually a treasure. Each saree is woven with great care and precision, dyed using traditional techniques, and manufactured with artistic flair. Often, Paithani sarees are passed on from one generation to another. If you have inherited a saree, it is crucial to preserve it. That said, this guide provides you with a few Paithani saree care tips to help you keep your treasured possession in good condition:
Understanding Paithani’s Soul
Before going into the details, it is essential to know why a Paithani saree is special. It originated in Maharashtra. The finest mulberry silk threads are used to weave these sarees. Then they are decked with zari made of pure silver and gold. Intricately designed motifs such as parrots, peacocks, and lotuses inspired by paintings in Ajanta caves are the hallmarks of Paithani sarees. The beauty of these sarees is not threadwork alone; it lies in the traditional methods used as it takes a few months to complete a saree.
Daily Care: Wearing & Airing
Your Paithani saree’s place should not be the back end of your closet. It is a ceremonial saree and occasionally you should air it. Hang it away from direct sunlight in a shaded area for a few hours before folding it. This is to remove body odour and entrapped moisture. Otherwise, it could lead to mildew.
Smart Storage: Helps Ensure Eternal Grace
As far as Paithani saree storage ideas are concerned, the key aspect is that you should never hang it long-term. This is because the fabric becomes stretched due to the zari’s weight. Besides, fold the saree along the zari lines and wrap it in a muslin/cotton cloth. Then, keep the saree in a dry place. Avoid direct sunlight.
The best way to fold a Paithani saree is to fold it lengthwise, ensuring the zari border remains aligned. Then, fold it crosswise in a neat square shape. Refolding it every 2 to 3 months prevents permanent creases.
Keep Wrinkles and Humidity at Bay
How to keep Paithani saree wrinkle-free is a matter of concern for many people. First of all, you should avoid ironing the zari directly. The best way to iron a Paithani saree is by placing a thin cotton cloth over it. Besides, you should use the lowest heat setting. Furthermore, if you are wondering how to protect saree from humidity, use silica gel packets in your storage box.
Prevent Fading, Make It Glow
Keeping them away from harsh sunlight, sprays, and perfumes helps avoid colour fading in silk sarees. Moreover, it is best to avoid spot-cleaning stains on the saree using some home remedies during festive seasons. The safest option is professional dry cleaning.
Bonus: Some Lesser-Known Facts about Paithani Sarees
- Do you know that authentic Paithani sarees don’t lose their lustre? This is because natural silk and genuine zari are used to make these sarees. This means that well-maintained sarees continue to look good even if they are more than 80 years old.
- In Maharashtrian folklore, the peacock motif signifies prosperity and immortality.
- Keep dry leaves of neem tree or cloves in the box in which you store your Paithani sarees. This helps in repelling insects and prevents the introduction of harsh chemicals into the saree.
Closing Thoughts
The tips to increase life of Paithani saree discussed above are practical and they ensure that you will be able to pass on your treasured saree to the next generation. The answer to your question “How to maintain Paithani saree in good condition for many years?” is consistent care using old-world wisdom. You may have one or 10 Paithani sarees with you. Investing a little bit of time in maintaining it helps you to both fabric and legacy.
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