Monsoon laundry: getting clothes truly dry
Why clothes smell musty in July, and what to do about it at home and with us.
How to care for silk sarees between wears
Air them, fold them differently and keep them away from plastic: simple habits that save a dry-clean.
A silk saree does not need dry cleaning after every wear. If it has no stains, air it on a padded hanger in the shade for a few hours to let sweat and perfume evaporate. Then fold and store it.
Change the folds every few months. Silk weakens along creases, and zari can crack if it is folded in the same place for years. Refold along new lines or roll the saree around a cardboard tube.
Store silk in a cotton or muslin cloth, never in plastic, which traps moisture and causes yellowing in humid cities like Mumbai. A few neem leaves or cloves keep insects away; avoid naphthalene balls touching the fabric.
Treat stains quickly. Blot, do not rub, and do not use water on a silk stain at home, as it can leave a ring. Bring it to us within a week and tell us what the stain is. Food, oil and turmeric all need different treatment, and the sooner, the better.
