Monsoon’s fungal development and insects are concerned about your silk sarees? 8 tips to save them

Whether it is your valuable Banarasi silk saree or expensive Kanjeevaram silk, silk cloth is one of the most valuable clothes found in any desi cupboard. In fact, silk clothing, whether it is a sari or lehenga, is also considered a piece of heerloom, passing through generations. The key to protecting these silk clothing is proper care so that the beauty of fine craftsmanship remains. But one of the biggest challenges for silk clothing in a cupboard is during the monsoon.

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Ikotasar founder Khitish Pandya told HT Lifestyle as to why this happens. “Silk is a delicate, protein-based natural fiber that can be easily damaged by excess moisture, fungal growth, or improper storage-especially during the months of moist and humid monsoon,” he said.

With love, mothers pass on their silk sari for their daughters, so there is no doubt about the generational value of silk saree. But as Khitish said, the high humidity of the monsoon increases moisture, as well as with peski pests that can also cut through delicate fabric. You feel that your saris are safe in your closed cupboard, but how and how these insects can ambush your beloved silk clothing, you will not know. Therefore, instead of regretting, it is better to adopt some active measures to store your silk clothing with more diligence.

Khitish Pandya listed 8 practical suggestions to protect his silk fabric in the monsoon, from storage to adequate insect distinguished material:

1. Make sure the silks are completely dry before storage

• Never bend and store which is slightly moist from rain, body moisture, or ironing.
• Moisture silk number is one enemy, as it encourages the development of mildew and weakens fibers over time.
• If the silk is worn, the spot is cleaned, or exposed to humidity, let it dry completely in a shaded area before storage.

2. Use breathing clothes cover

• Wrap your silk sarees, stolls, or clothes in soft cotton or muslin cloth. These allow natural airflows, which help prevent the manufacture of moisture and odor.
• Avoid synthetic cover or tightly sealed containers. For coupled care, use unbehable massee to avoid color transfer.

3. Avoid plastic or vacuum-seal bags

• Plastic trap humidity, making a microclimate that is perfect for mold and fungus.
• In monsoon conditions, airtight for silk storage is best to avoid plastic containers or bags, even temporarily.

4. Add natural moisture absorber

Keep moisture-control agents in your wardrobe to absorb extra humidity:

• Neem leaves or dried lavender: Naturally leaves pests behind and adds a pleasant fragrance.
• Kapoor tablets: Silverfish and keeps the kites away, but avoid direct contact with the fabric, wrap it in a small fabric bag.
• Silica gayle sahets: Helps control moisture but takes their place every two months for effectiveness.

5. Use simple natural dehumidifiers

• Place rock salt, baking soda, or small pouch of active charcoal in your wardrobe. They are attracted to more moisture than air and are easy to replace.
• Change them every few weeks depending on the level of humidity.

6. Wind and again every 3 to 4 weeks

• Silks should never sit in the same position for a long time.
• Every 3-4 weeks, take them out, unfollowed, gently shake them, and reflect with different lines.
• This prevents permanent crease and allows stuck air and moisture to avoid.

7. Store in a cool, dry and dark place

• In exposure to light, especially direct sunlight or rigid tube light, can fade silk over time.
• Use wood cupboards or shelves in dark, shaded areas of your home.
• Make sure the space is clean, free of insects, and leaks or walls do not suffer from moisture.

8. Use the right hanger for dupattas and stolls

• If you like to hang light silk items such as dupatas or scarf, use a padded or wide wooden hanger to prevent stretching or marks.
• Never use wire hangar; They can cause permanent dent or even rust stains.