Sep 11, 2021

Stain on your saree?......Know what to do

Be it your sensuality, your beauty your curves or whole personality, I enhance it all the moment you drape me on; says saree and indeed it does. That's the beauty of a saree which is as versatile as it can be. It doesn't require you to fit in it, unlike other outfits. No matter what the size or shape it suits every body type every face. Every Indian wardrobe has a saree collection, whether small or big, some randomly picked some handpicked, or maybe some passed on by generations. Whatever it may be every saree needs proper care especially if it's silk which generally is pretty expensive and that's why a stain or even a spot on it breaks a piece of your heart. It's always best to give your sarees in the hands of professionals for getting rid of stains especially stubborn stains but there are few techniques which you can use at home to get rid of those uninvited guests.

What if your fried stuff lands on your saree instead of mouth

I know you love those fritters and vadas but not your sarees! Oil stains should be treated immediately if possible and the best way to if not remove completely but lighten the stain is quickly sprinkling some talcum powder or cornstarch. Don't let it sit for long, a couple of minutes should be fine, then dust it off and wash the stained area in cold water without rubbing hard or applying much pressure. Except for silk you can also use some mild detergent or baby shampoo to wash the stained area after dabbing some talcum powder. Grease and food stains can also be treated in a similar manner. Oil and turmeric stain can also be treated using white vinegar and baking soda, which can work wonders. Just dab a little solution with a white muslin cloth or a clean toothbrush, let it sit for a while and clean using a white cloth. Always remember to use cold water for washing your saree after the first step.

To remove oil stain from linen sarees particularly, layout your linen saree and place old cotton cloth or some paper napkins underneath for excess oil to be absorbed. Then sprinkle some baking soda on the stain adding a few drops of vinegar. With the help of a paper towel or napkin remove whatever excess and wash with cold water if needed.

Who loves sweat, certainly not your sarees

Sweat is the most natural and unavoidable stain and to treat it paper napkins can be used and later you can wash the fabric with baby shampoo using cold water. Apply just a few drops of baby shampoo or gentle detergent on the stained area, leave for 30 minutes and rinse without applying much pressure. Applying some lemon juice can also lighten the stain, but don't rub hard.

You love tea but not your saree

Tea or coffee is maybe your best companion but enemies to your favourite saree and this stain is quite common too. Maybe you too have a tea/coffee episode with your saree and you still cry over it! Next time if this happens be quick to act and rub it inwards with a sponge or cotton cloth, maybe with a handkerchief you or your Mister might be carrying. Never rub it outwards as this may cause the stain to spread. One very important and effective tool in getting rid of tea/coffee stain from your silk sarees is Vinegar. Just mix half cup of white vinegar with half a cup of water and using a sponge or white cotton cloth clean over the stained area. If the stain has been left for too long try using pure vinegar, but don't forget to first test it on one of the corners before applying it to a bigger area.

Red is beautiful but stubborn too

Yes, I am talking about those bloodstains on your saree which could be very difficult to get rid of. Blood is protein, so it will coagulate on heating. So 1st rule is never trying to take off blood stain by soaking in hot or warm water, always use cold water for treating bloodstain or best treat it with ice cubes. Take a few ice cubes and gently rub it on the stained area, lightly rub it and see if it's helpful.
What about the blue or black stain? Well, I am talking about the ink stain which is again quite common. For treating ink stain use warm water. Soak your saree in warm water for the ink to dissolve and come out and then wash it with mild detergent. You can also try using hair spray on pen marks and then dab with a tissue. For those stubborn ink marks, you can also consider using petrol which is very effective. Always remember to use petrol on a small area of your saree first.

These are the few tips and tricks you can use to get rid of those stains on your sarees and remember never to use bleach to get rid of any sort of stain, especially on silk sarees. Also, it's always advisable to send your silk sarees for dry cleaning rather than hand washing and treating the stain at home. Saving a penny or two could cost you your saree.