Monsoon Clothing Care: Tips to maintain Chikankari and handpainted clothing

While monsoon is a season to revamp your wardrobe and opt for weatherappropriate clothing it is also the time when some clothes need extra care to stand the test of rain and humidity Delicate fabrics like Chikankari and handpainted garments are more likely to be affected in this damp weather due to intricate designs and stitching hence requiring special attentionSpeaking to middaycom Anuja Gupta founder and CEO of Chowkhat shares essential monsoon clothing care tips to save your favourite garmentsBefore the Rains ArrivePreMonsoon Wash Give your Chikankari and handpainted clothes a thorough wash before the monsoon Use a gentle detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics Avoid harsh chemicals bleaching agents and strong fabric softeners Opt for a mild natural detergent or a baby shampooColour Run Test If youre unsure about the colour fastness of your handpainted garment perform a simple test Dab a cotton bud dipped in water on an inconspicuous area preferably a seam If the colour bleeds its best to get it professionally drycleanedStorage Pack away your summer wear in breathable cotton bags Avoid using plastic covers that can trap moisture and lead to mildew growthAlso Read Your complete guide to top wardrobe picks for monsoonDuring the MonsoonLimit Wear While it might be tempting to flaunt your beautiful Chikankari kurta during the monsoon try to limit wearing these delicate pieces during heavy downpours Opt for waterresistant fabrics like cotton or polyester during peak monsoon monthsImmediate Attention If your Chikankari or handpainted garment does get wet dont let it sit damp for long Gently blot the excess water with a clean absorbent cloth Avoid wringing or rubbing the fabric as this can cause colour bleeding or damage the embroideryDrying Never hang your wet Chikankari or handpainted clothes in direct sunlight Strong UV rays can cause fading and weaken the fabric Instead spread them out on a clean dry towel in a wellventilated areaIroning Refrain from ironing wet Chikankari or handpainted clothes Always wait for them to dry completely before ironing Use a low heat setting and place a clean cloth between the iron and the garment to protect the delicate workStorage during MonsoonOnce your clothes are completely dry store them in a cool dry place If theres lingering dampness consider placing a moisture absorber sachet near them to prevent mildew growthAvoid storing your clothes in airtight containers during the monsoon This can trap moisture and lead to musty odours Every few days take out your stored Chikankari and handpainted clothes and air them out for a bitAdditional TipsStains For any minor stains address them promptly Use a gentle stain remover specifically designed for delicate fabrics Always test the stain remover on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the stain itselfProfessional Help For stubborn stains or extensive damage consider taking your Chikankari or handpainted garment to a professional dry cleaner who specialises in delicate fabricsEmbellishments Pay close attention to any embellishments like beads sequins or embroidery on your Chikankari clothes Moisture can loosen the threads or cause the beads to tarnish Check them regularly and tighten any loose threads carefullyA little care will ensure longevity of these delicate garments keeping them safe and vibrant throughout monsoonAlso ReadCommuting by Mumbai local trains during monsoons Mumbaikars share fashion travel hacks