Fabric care

Heirloom Kanjeevaram Silks

· Storage: Store these separately in a breathable muslin or cotton bag. Avoid plastic covers, as they trap moisture and can cause the zari to tarnish.
· Refolding: Heirloom pieces have high zari content; refold them every 3 months to prevent the heavy gold or silver threads from cracking or cutting the silk fibers.
· Cleaning: Never attempt a home wash for heirlooms. Professional dry cleaning is the only way to ensure the delicate natural dyes and heavy zari remain intact.
Pro Tip: At Natya, we recommend using acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent color bleeding or zari friction

Tussar Silks

· Texture Care: Tussar has a unique, coarse texture that thrives on breathing. Air your Tussar saris once every few months in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
· Avoid Perfumes: Tussar is highly porous; direct contact with perfumes or deodorants can leave permanent stains and weaken the wild silk fibers.
·Washing: While dry cleaning is preferred, a very mild, quick hand wash in cold water with a specialized silk liquid can be done for plain Tussar. Never wring the fabric.

Banaras Silks

· Zari Protection: Banarasi weaves often feature intricate float threads on the reverse. Store them inside-out to prevent jewelry from snagging the delicate zari work during handling.
· Ironing: Always iron on the reverse side using a low heat setting. Use a thin cotton pressing cloth between the iron and the sari to protect the sheen.
· Refolding: Like Kanjeevarams, these are heavy. Change the fold lines every 4 months to distribute the weight and stress points.

Modal Silk

· Washing: Modal is a bio-based fiber that is more resilient. It can be hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent.
· Anti-Pilling: To prevent the surface from fuzzing, wash the garment inside out.
· Drying: Avoid tumble drying. Lay flat on a clean towel to dry in the shade to help the fabric retain its natural, silky drape.

Matka Silk

· Handling: Matka silk is made from the waste of Mulberry silk and has a signature "slubby" texture. It is prone to losing its shape if hung. Always store flat.
· Moisture Control: Matka is highly absorbent. Use silica gel packets in your wardrobe to prevent the fabric from feeling "limp" during the monsoon season.
· Cleaning: Dry clean only to maintain the crisp, linen-like hand feel of the fabric.

Murshidabadi Silk

· Lightweight Care: These are fine, light silks. Avoid using safety pins directly on the fabric as they can leave permanent holes; use sari pin guards instead.
· Washing: Use a very diluted, mild shampoo if hand washing at home. Rinse quickly and do not soak for more than 5 minutes.
· Storage: Since they are light, they can be stored in stacks, but ensure the stack isn't too heavy (maximum 3-4 saris) to avoid crushing the silk.

Murshidabadi Silk

· Lightweight Care: These are fine, light silks. Avoid using safety pins directly on the fabric as they can leave permanent holes; use sari pin guards instead.
· Washing: Use a very diluted, mild shampoo if hand washing at home. Rinse quickly and do not soak for more than 5 minutes.
· Storage: Since they are light, they can be stored in stacks, but ensure the stack isn't too heavy (maximum 3-4 saris) to avoid crushing the silk.

Linen Silks

· Wrinkle Management: Linen-silk blends are prone to creasing. It is best to roll these saris on a cardboard or plastic pipe to avoid sharp fold lines.
· Ironing: These require a slightly higher heat than pure silk, but always use a steam iron or a damp pressing cloth for the best results.
· Washing: Professional dry cleaning is recommended to maintain the specific balance of the two fibers.

Cottons

· Color Fastness: Indian handloom cottons often bleed. Always wash them separately for the first 3-4 times.
· Starching: To keep your Natya cottons looking crisp, use a light starch. However, ensure the sari is completely dry before storing, as starch can attract silverfish.
· Sunlight: Never dry in direct sunlight; cotton fibers can become brittle and colors will fade rapidly.

Linen

· Washing: Linen loves water. It becomes softer with every wash. Use lukewarm water and a gentle cycle.
· Storage: Linen is a natural fiber that needs to breathe. Never store in airtight plastic bins. Use linen or cotton bags to allow air circulation.
· Stain Treatment: Linen is very absorbent; tackle stains immediately with a dab of white vinegar and water before they "set."

Natya Care: For your most precious pieces, Natya recommends a periodic professional inspection. Whether it's a centuries-old heirloom or a modern linen blend, treating your fabric with love is the secret to a timeless wardrobe.

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