by ABFRLadmin | July 7, 2021
Monsoons are a fun time if you are at home, chilling in your pyjamas with a hot beverage while you work. But it also means its time to take extra care of your special ensembles, if you want it to stand the test of time. Those gorgeous silk sarees that you got from your mother and love draping for special occasions, or that leather jacket you saved up and splurged on that your sibling has been eyeing for themselves all need a little extra care.
Be it rain or sunshine, its always important to take care of those special clothes that you want to share with the generations to come. Welcome to the world of circular fashion, which is designed to reduce waste and pollution and ensure that garments have an extended shelf life by reusing and recycling. While the world is waking up to this phenomenon now, in India, this is a way of life for many of us. We at ABFRL, have you a few tips to maintain the freshness of your precious clothes so that they can last longer. Here are some tips you can follow to keep your clothes crisp.
Dab the stains away:
It is natural for clothes to develop stains when they have been shut inside a wardrobe for too long. Rather than throwing away clothes, you can salvage them with a few simple tricks. Let the clothes breathe first. You can then dab the stains away with vinegar to wipe stains that can cause permanent damage to the fabric.
Store Silk the right way:
Go for silk blends or cotton when you are opting for a saree to wear to the next monsoon wedding. If you prefer delicate silks that you have planned to drape for a special occasion, avoid plastic bags as that can lock in moisture and make your garment smell musty. Sarees with zari should be folded inside out and wrapped in muslin before storing. Muslin allows the garment to breathe and decreases the chances of a moisture stain. If you are caught in the rain while wearing your gorgeous silks, soak the garment in water for a short period of time and use vinegar to wipe off the stains gently.
Precious silks need special care
Pampering your silks at home:
It is not possible to run to the dry cleaner every time you want to wear your silk saree. To maintain the shine on silk sarees, ditch the washing machine for a mild salt and warm water bath to soak your saree. Ensure gentle pressure to wash the border and pallu separately. Dont dry your saree in direct heat and use a towel to dab out excess water instead of wringing silks. If you have a white silk saree, avoid bleach-based cleaner and opt for a mixture of white vinegar and water to keep it pristine.
Leather needs some tender love and care:
Leather has a reputation for being resilient in most conditions. However, water and dampness can cause serious damage with fungal growth and reduce its lifespan. Store leather in breathable bags and if you do get water on it, do not leave it to dry naturally. Use a soft cloth to wipe away the water. Air out your leather bag on a weekly basis to avoid moisture build-up. Wooden shoe shapers can be used to keep leather shoes moisture-free and are an effective environmentally conscious decision to make.
Hangers to the rescue:
The rule of thumb when rearranging your closet is to keep clothes that are harder to fold on hangers. This includes silk, polyester and nylon clothes that can crease easily. Blouses that have padding can get misshapen and damp during monsoons. Use a hanger for expensive blouses so they dont lose their shape. Reduce your carbon footprint and opt for wooden hangers over plastics.
.
Bamboo hangers are good for your clothes and the environment
With these quick tips, ensure that the monsoon does not damage your prized possessions. Small conscious decisions like these culminate into contributing to a more sustainable future.
