Monsoon Care: How To Care For Handloom And Handicraft Products?

By Author: Ankita Kaushik, Content Manager, MeitY
Total Articles: 25
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When the monsoon arrives, it brings relief from the heat, but it also brings high humidity, wetness and the chance of mould growth. If you love handlooms and handicrafts, you need to take extra care this season.

Every handmade item has a story to tell, whether it's a handwoven saree, an embroidered kurta or a bamboo wall hanging. It's our duty to protect that story. Here are some safe ways to take care of your handloom and handicraft items during the monsoon:

Be Careful When You Wash

During the monsoon season, don't wash your clothes too often unless you have to. When you need to wash something, use cold water and a gentle detergent that doesn't have any chemicals in it. To keep colours from running, always wash them separately. Don't soak them for too long, especially if they have natural or vegetable dyes, and never wring the fabric too hard.

Dry in the Shade

You should always dry handwoven fabrics and handmade decorations in a shady, well-ventilated area. Natural fibres can become weaker, and colours can fade when they are in direct sunlight. When it's monsoon season, don't dry things inside ...
... where there's not a lot of air flow. Such conditions can trap moisture in the fabric or item, which can make it smell musty or grow mould.

Store Smartly

Instead of plastic covers, which trap moisture, use cotton or muslin cloths that let air flow through. Put natural moisture absorbers like neem leaves, dried lavender or silica gel packets in places where you store things. Keep wooden or bamboo crafts away from walls and wet surfaces. To keep creases from becoming permanent, fold textiles in a different way each time and let them air out every few weeks.

Keep Embroidery, Zari and Delicate Thread Items Safe

Things that have a lot of embroidery or zari work need special care. Don't spray perfume or deodorant directly on them. To keep them from rubbing against each other, fold them inside out and tuck the embroidery in.

Monsoon can be hard, but it doesn't have to be hard for your handloom and handicraft items. Your handmade items can stay fresh and bright if you take care of them the right way and use some old Indian care methods.