Zari sarees and garments are amongst the most exquisite and held high in culture, whenever this fine fabric contains this gold or silver threadwork intricately woven into them. They are mainly used for special occasions, festivals, and weddings; garments aren’t less than a product of cultural heritage and elegance. However, comes the responsibility of proper care for the same zari saree so that it remains bright and lustrous for years. As these are delicate in nature, it may not be an easy job to maintain the garment in cleaned condition. Wrong handling can cause dulling, tarnishing, or even damage to the zari threads.
Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to take care of and clean your zari sarees or any other garment. Start by learning what makes your fabric to know the right cleaning method; you have all that it takes to keep your zari garments looking like new.
1. Understanding Zari saree and Fabric Composition
Before getting down to the cleaning business, it’s important to understand what makes your fabric. Traditionally, zari involves wrapping a fine thread of silver or gold on the base of silk or cotton thread. Today, in the absence of precious metals, synthetic fibers are being made into metallic threads that reduce the cost of producing zari. Such threads are then woven into a wide variety of fabrics that range from silk and cotton to synthetics such as polyester or nylon.
Some may demand special cleaning approaches, so it’s best to understand the type of fabric. Silk and cotton zari sarees need to be handled very sensitively, while synthetic zari sarees are stronger and can absorb a bit more aggressive cleaning approach.
Here is a list of common zari work apparels in terms of their usage of fabrics:.
Silk Zari Sarees:
Silk remains the most traditional fabric used with zari work, especially with bridal and festive varieties. Such sarees are the kind of luxury but will require delicate care.
Cotton Zari Sarees:
These are less common than the other variety, but it’s entirely breathable, making them apt for hot humid climates. Cotton zari sarees tend to be more durable in comparison to silk but still require careful handling.
Synthetic Zari Sarees:
The ones which is done with polyester or nylon as the base fabric. These sarees are also relatively less expensive as well, and of course, easier to clean than the others. Check out your zari saree or garment’s label for specific cleaning instructions. If you’re unsure, always take it to a professional dry cleaner who specializes in traditional garments.
2. Don’t Wash Zari saree Garments at Home
Probably the biggest blunder done on these zari sarees and saree garments is that people wash them at home with general detergents or in a washing machine. This leads to loss of shine, even tarnishing of the zari, and in some cases, the zari may even tear due to agitation caused by the washing machine and harsh chemicals present in certain kinds of washing agents.
Why Avoid Machine Washing?
Agitation:
These zari threads tend to break up due to the tangle or break due to the spin cycle in washing machines.
Chemical Exposure:
Most detergents used for washing contain bleach and chemical agents that gradually degrade the shine of metallic zari threads.
Fabric Stretching:
The heavy sarees, especially those made from silk, may become strained or warped in the washing machine, which may distort the drape and appearance of the outfit. Take your zari sarees to a professional dry cleaner who can deal with light-sensitive fabrics and embroidery. They possess specific cleaning methods that will safeguard the fabric as well as the zari work.
3. Hand wash Zari saree Garments (Only If Absolutely Necessary).
The only other way you could do in hand washing the saree at home, if you cannot have them professionally dry cleaned, is through hand washing. This needs to be treated with extreme care so as not to damage the fabric and the delicate threads of the zari. Handwashing can do the least damage to the clothing and to the zari threads compared to other forms of cleaning.
This is how you handwash your zari saree or garment:
Step 1: Use Cold Water
The basin or bucket is filled with cold water. Hot or warm water would damage the threads, particularly if it is zari or very delicate material. More so, it could damage the fabric if it is made of silk. Water is cold because it is not too harsh to the threads and inhibits shrinkage and color loss.
Step 2: Choose a Mild Soap
Instead, pick a mild detergent that is actually for delicate fabrics, such as baby laundry detergent, or a detergent for washing silk and wool. Regular detergents contain chemicals that might be too harsh for the zari work. Use detergents that don’t include bleach and have no strong fragrances in case the metallic threads tarnish.
Step 3: Gently Agitate the Garment
Soak the saree in cold water and agitate it by swirling it around your hands. Do not rub or wring the fabric, especially in zari work areas, as this can fray or break the metallic threads. Handling the garment requires utmost care, much more so if it involves the zari areas.
Step 4: Wash it Thoroughly
Once washed, the saree is gently rinsed with cold water to remove the detergent completely. Be sure to get rid of any soap residue. This will prevent its dull impact on the shine of the zari work and from causing any eventual discolouration.
Step 5: Drying the Zari Saree
Never wring a zari saree to let out excess water because this would distort the shape of the garment and weaken the zari threads. Gently squeeze out excess moisture by laying the saree flat on a clean, dry towel and rolling the saree up to absorb the moisture. Then lay it flat on another dry towel to air-dry.
Direct sun may fade the cloth as well as zari. Dry in the shade or indoor with proper ventilation. It is also said that the metallic threads will lose their shine if exposed to direct sunlight.
Flat Drying:
It is ideal to hang a wet saree for some time in the open air and then lay it flat for complete drying. If one has to hang a wet saree, it will stretch, especially at the zari borders, thereby compromising the shape of the saree. It is also the ideal way so that the saree does not lose its shape.
4. Ironing Zari saree Garments
Zari sarees, along with other zari garments, are generally ironed before wearing because creases might form when folded. However, the ironing of zari needs to be done carefully since burning the metallic threads or damaging the fabric is a risk.
Low heat settings
Zari sarees must always be ironed on a low heat setting, particularly when the base fabric is silk or some other sensitive material. Extremely high temperatures can cause the delicate threads of zari to lose their shine to a degree, and even melt or burn the synthetic metallic fibers present in modern zari.
Insert a Protective Cloth
To avoid the direct passage of heat to the zari work, you make sure that you have a protective cloth (like a cotton or muslin sheet) over the garment that you iron. It acts as a buffer between the hot iron and the fragile zari threads, saving it from damage.
Never ever should you iron directly onto the zari because the intense heat dries the shine out of your zari and gives it permanent damage.
Steam Ironing
Preferably use a steam iron. There is an advantage in steam ironing: the fabric does not have any charring effect and it can make any kink smooth without actually applying heat to the zari. It is put slightly above the fabric, with the steam releasing the crinkle down instead of making a direct contact.
5. Storing Zari Sarees and Garments
The longevity and shine of zari sarees depend upon proper storage otherwise; tarnishing due to bad storage may reflect on the fabric in the form of wrinkles in the fabric or, worse still, damage the zari threads.
Package in Soft Cotton or Muslin Cloth
Zari sarees should never be packed in plastic bags or airtight containers. The plastic could trap moisture, and mildew can set in the back of the scarf or tarnish the metallic threads. Wrap the saree so the fabric is covered, but you still breathe upon it. This way, you will avoid snagging the zari threads on rough surfaces as well.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Store zari sarees in a cool, dry space. Avoid direct sunlight and sources of heat. High temperatures or wetness can damage not only the fabric but also the zari work. Try to put them on wooden shelves or cotton-lined shelves, if you have such.
Do Not Fold Along Zari Work
Do not fold the zari borders or motifs directly onto each other as this may lead to threads breaking or loss of luster by repeated folding in the same spot. Instead, fold the saree so that the zari is always flat and unfolded or lay acid-free tissue paper in between for ease of cushioning folds.
Regular Airing of Garments
For those sarees or clothes stored for a long period of time, it is advisable to take them out and give them some air every now and then. This prevents moisture from staying on those fabrics and keeps them fresh. Whatever the case, you should never air them in the sun.
6. Handling Zari Garments Stains
Sarees or clothes with zari work are a nightmare to deal with when it comes to stains as even rubbing or chemicals can ruin the zari work. Of course, professional help would be the first option for any such stain removal, but here are a few tips in case you want to treat some minor stains at home:
Blot, Don’t Rub
Once there is a spill on your zari saree, you must blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth or tissue. Try not to rub the fabric since it pushes the stain into the deeper parts of the fibers or breaks the zari threads. Press the cloth gently onto the stain, extracting as much liquid as you can.
Test Cleaning Solutions on a Small Area
Test a cleaning solution on a hidden small area of the saree before applying it; it could damage the zari or the fabric itself. Chemicals from some fabrics and zari threads might not mix well; this can cause discoloration or tarnishing.
Use Mild Cleaning Solutions
For minor stains, you can use a mixture
Mix mild detergent with water, and apply it to the stained area using a clean cloth or sponge, neither rubbing the solution into the stain. Wipe off the detergent mixture by rinsing with cold water and blot dry.
Professional Stain Removal
For those tough stains or stains on antique or highly ornate zari saris, always err in the side of caution by contacting a professional cleaner who specializes in traditional clothes. Experience and tools are two key things which cannot go wrong and will help remove the toughest stain on delicate work.
7. Special Care for Antique or Vintage Zari Saris
Some of these antique or vintage zari sarees have threads of gold and silver. They are very fragile as these are aged things. The value of these sarees cannot be put into monetary terms because they may be generational dresses passed down from generations long ago. These require special care when you want to dress up in them.
Take a Professional Cleaner’s Advice
Because the fabric has such fragility and holds intricate zari work, it is advisable to get antique zari sarees cleaned by an expert from a professional background who has handled vintage textiles. Such effort may make irreparable holes in them if made at home.
Restoration Services
Sometimes, aged zari sarees may have restoration work done on them in terms of reweaving the frayed or tarnished threads. A majority of professional textile conservators tend to offer restorative services in heirloom garments that revitalize their beauty for future generations.
Display and Storage
If you wish to display antique zari sarees, ensure the robe is not exposed to direct sun rays or humid condensation. Keep it wrapped in loose cotton or muslin pieces that are tightly wrapped around its body and keep the saree lying flat without folding it; this way, it will not stretch the delicate silk threads.
8. Avoid Using Fragrances and Mothballs
Sharp perfumes, like those in perfumes, deodorants, storage packets, can slowly erode the metallic filaments used in zari work. Insecticides like mothballs, though effective in controlling insects, are difficult to remove from delicate fabrics and tend to have a strong overwhelming odor.
Fragrance-Free Products
When washing zari sarees, it would be best to use a fragrance-free detergent and cleaning products as these are always pH-neutral and not likely to cause any damage on the threads.
Natural Pest Repellents
Use neem leaves or lavender sachets for a natural mothball repellent. These are gentler on the fabric than mothballs and won’t leave that pesky odor.
9. Using Specialized Zari Cleaners
Special cleaning solutions are available, which can be purchased specifically for zari work. These cleaners are especially formulated to clean the dirt and stains without acting upon delicate metallic threads. However, they should be used with due care since even specialized products sometimes carry consequences that may not be wanted when applied to delicate fabrics.
Read Instructions Carefully
Always read the instructions on any specialized zari cleaners before use. Some may require dilution or specific application methods to achieve the best results.
Test on a Small Area
Always test the product on a hidden area of the saree or garment first when trying any cleaning solution, so that this doesn’t cause any discoloration or tarnishing.
10. Regular Maintenance and Preservation
Proper care and maintenance of zari sarees are more than cleaning. These maintenance practices will ensure that your zari sarees and garments remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Periodic Re-folding
If your zari sarees are kept for a long time, then it is a good practice to fold them after regular intervals and thus prevent permanent creases at regular time intervals along the zari work. This will also give you a chance to air the sarees and see through any visible damage.
Professional Cleaning Before Storage
Before storing it for a long period, consider getting your zari saree professionally cleaned to remove all grime, sweat, and oils that may degrade the fabric over time.
Check for Tarnishing
Keep checking for signs of tarnishing or dulling on your zari sarees. If you find a change in the appearance of the zari thread, seek professional guidance in restoration or cleaning.
Conclusion
Zari sarees and garments will forever be an expression of rich cultural heritage and masterpiece craftsmanship. You need to provide it with care and guard it while handling it since it is indeed so delicate and beautiful, requiring being handled by delicate hands. Be it a modern synthetic zari saree or an heirloom from the ancient days, proper care and cleaning techniques will make sure your zari garments look bright for years with fantastic shine.
With these tips and tricks in this guide, you can confidently clean, store, and care for your zari sarees and garments, ensuring that future generations benefit from their timeless beauty. By following the best practices for handwashing, drying, and storage, your zari work will retain its shine and elegance for better customer experience if you have shop. Whether you’re using a LaundryPOS, a dry cleaning app, or managing a laundry service software for your business, proper garment care should always be a priority. If you are managing a laundry business start-up or using laundry business management software. Knowing how to care for delicate garments can set you apart.
In case of uncertainty, always seek professional cleaning services to maintain the integrity of these precious fabrics. Whether you’re running a dry cleaning website or using a dry cleaning POS system. O4ffering specialized care for delicate fabrics like zari garments could enhance customer satisfaction. Finally, consider integrating laundromat POS software or commercial laundry management software for an efficient business. Workflow signup now with Fabklean for better care.