Color and Wash Care

Proper color and wash care for ethnic wear are essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of your garments. Here’s a detailed guide on how to care for your ethnic wear, including Sarees, Lehengas, Kurtas & Kurtis, Anarkalis, and other traditional outfits.

Color Care

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause colors to fade. Always dry your ethnic wear in the shade or indoors to preserve the vibrancy of the fabric.
• Separate Dark and Light Colors: Wash dark and light-colored garments separately to prevent color bleeding. Darker colors like red, maroon, and navy are more likely to bleed, especially during the first few washes.
• Use Color-Safe Detergents: Choose mild, color-safe detergents specifically designed to protect the hues of delicate fabrics. Harsh detergents can strip colors and weaken the fabric.
• Test for Color Fastness: Before the first wash, test a small, hidden section of the garment to check for color fastness. Dab a wet cotton ball on the fabric to see if the color transfers.

Wash Care

• Hand Wash Preferred: Ethnic wear, especially those with delicate embroidery, sequins, or embellishments, should be hand washed to maintain their integrity. Gently soak the garment in cold water with a mild detergent and avoid scrubbing or wringing.
• Avoid Bleach and Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach or strong chemicals on ethnic wear, as they can cause discoloration and weaken the fabric. Opt for natural or mild cleaning agents instead.
• Dry Clean When Necessary: Some fabrics, like silk, brocade, and heavily embellished garments, are best suited for dry cleaning.
• Do Not Overwash: Overwashing can cause wear and tear on delicate fabrics. Unless the garment is soiled, it’s better to air it out after use rather than washing it frequently.

Fabric-Specific Care

• Silk: Hand wash in cold water or dry clean. Avoid direct sunlight and store in a breathable fabric bag. Iron on a low setting with a cloth in between.
• Cotton: Wash separately in cold water. Use mild detergent and air dry. Iron on medium heat when slightly damp for a crisp finish.
• Chiffon/Georgette: Hand wash gently in cold water. Avoid wringing. Air dry flat to prevent stretching. Use a steamer or low-heat iron with caution.
• Velvet: Dry clean only. Store by hanging to avoid crushing the pile. Use a steamer to remove wrinkles, never iron directly.
• Brocade: Dry clean to maintain the fabric's sheen. Store flat and avoid hanging to prevent distortion. Handle with care to avoid snagging the threads.