The Bhai Dooj celebrations are over. Your silk kurta has survived the family photographs, festive lunch, and perhaps an accidental drop of mithai syrup. The next not so fun step is to determine how to wash it without damaging the fabric.
You read the care label. There is a crossed-out washing tub, a circle and a couple of other symbols that seem more like a puzzle than directions for washing.
Should you put the kurta in your washing machine’s delicate programme? Or is it only professional cleaning that is safe?
It depends on the instructions on how to wash the clothes. Silk is moisture, temperature and movement sensitive; not all silk garments need the same treatment.
Knowing which care instructions mean you should not machine wash your holiday clothes can help you keep them safe, and using your washing machine for clothes that can be washed safely.
Which Care Labels Mean Your Silk Kurta Cannot Be Machine-Washed?
Prior to choosing any washing programme always check the label that is stitched inside your kurta. It is typically located on the side seam or in the vicinity of the neckline and contains important information about restrictions on cleaning.
Some symbols specify that washing can be carried out under certain conditions. There are others who exclude it entirely.
1. Crossed-Out Washing Tub: Do Not Wash
A washing tub symbol with a cross through it indicates that the garment may not be washed with water.
This limitation is for both machine and hand washings.
It may be asked why one would want to wash with cold water, which may be okay. Sadly, it is not the programme that is delicate, it is the instruction.
This may be due to the presence of one or more of the following:
- Fabrics that may fade when exposed to moisture.
- Embroidery threads which can bleed colour.
- Materials used for decoration which are vulnerable to water.
- Any parts which have rigid structures and could become distorted.
- Dyes or finishes that can’t be washed in water.
If you are unable to clean these clothes yourself, check with a professional cleaner and follow any other washing guidelines listed on the label.
2. Hand-Wash Symbol: Keep It Out of the Machine
A hand in a washing tub means the article of clothing should be washed in the washing tub.
This is especially applicable to the silk kurtas which are made delicately.
Even with a gentle programme, machine movement is different to controlled hand washing. Fabric can rub, twist or be subjected to pressure which the garment maker did not approve of.
If your Bhai Dooj kurta includes this symbol, then you should adhere to the instructions for hand washing, not a machine’s gentle program.
3. Dry-Clean-Only Instructions: Professional Cleaning Required
This indicates that the item should only be dry cleaned and cannot be cleaned with water.
A few silk kurtas have written directions like “Dry Clean Only”.
This is a clear restriction.
Dry cleaning is a professional process that does not include a cycle of water washing.
This is particularly true if a kurta is made of silk and has intricate designs that absorb water more readily than the fabric.
There is one important difference though.
If there is a professional cleaning symbol inside a circle, this does not necessarily indicate that all water washing is disallowed. Before making your decision, read the entire label including any written instructions and the symbols.
What About Care Labels That Allow for Machine Washing?
Not all silks need professional cleaning.
Certain items are launderable and/or are made with silk blends.
It’s the label that counts.
Understanding the Washing Tub Symbol
If there is no cross on a washing tub, washing is allowed, as long as the instructions are followed.
Check for the following information:
- Temperature Marking: Maximum temperature allowed for washing.
- One line under the tub: Suggests a less severe washing action.
- Two lines under the tub: Very mild washing process.
- Hand wash inside the tub: Means hand washing instead of machine washing.
- Crossed out tub: Do not wash with water.
For example, a kurta made from silk material with a washing symbol of 30°C and two lines under it, may allow a very light machine wash.
However, don’t ignore the rest of the instructions. There might also be restrictions on the garment in terms of bleaching, spinning, drying or ironing.
Not all subsequent laundry steps are safe if you have a permitted wash cycle.
Why is it that some Bhai Dooj Silk Kurtas require special care?
A “plain” kurta and a “festive” kurta embroidered in a heavy style can react quite differently to cleaning.
Certainly the fibre composition is important. However the make-up of the clothing can be just as significant.
Embroidery Makes Laundry a Little More Complex
Bhai Dooj attire is embellished with zari, decorative threads or neckline and sleeve decoration.
The information may not be happy about being submerged in water for a long time or being moved around.
For instance, embroidery threads may catch on other clothing items. Some metal jewellery might also lose its luster if it is not cleaned properly.
Though the fabric itself may be washable, the embellishments may not allow for machine washing.
Silk Can Be Affected Differently by Water
Silk is a natural protein fibre. It can be affected by unsuitable detergents, excessive agitation and high temperatures in terms of its appearance and texture.
Washing can lead to:
- Loss of surface sheen
- Colour bleeding
- Shrinkage or distortion
- Difficult-to-remove crease.
- Changes in texture
Not all silk products will give these results. They’re for reasons to follow the care label, not just the name of the fabric.
Use the Right Lining Material and It Will Make a Difference
Some festive kurtas are lined for comfort or to provide structure.
The outer and inner silk fabrics might have different water repellency, causing the garment to lose its form.
This is one of the reasons that two very similar kurtas can have entirely different washing directions.
Can You Use a Delicate Washing Programme for Silk Kurtas?
Yes, but if the care label allows it, only machine wash if the garment is allowed.
A light cycle is a cycle that uses less scrubbing action than a regular cycle. It cannot however make an illegal washing technique legal.
If your kurta is marked as very delicate, follow the instructions.
If so, then take these precautions:
- Look for the allowable washing temperature.
- Use a detergent appropriate to the fabric.
- If possible, turn the garment inside out.
- Put it into an appropriate mesh laundry bag.
- Do not wash it with coarse textured fabrics or heavily decorated clothing.
- Follow label instructions regarding spinning and drying.
If a garment is marked “Dry Clean Only” it should never be put in the washing machine because there is a gentle wash programme.
It’s more important than the sophistication of the appliance.
What Can Haier Front Loading Washing Machines Do for Festive Laundry?
The laundry basket is hardly empty after Bhai Dooj.
Everyday cotton kurtas, festive clothes for children, trousers and other clothes are waiting to be washed.
It’s here that a washing machine that has several fabric-specific programmes comes in handy.
Haier India washing machine front load series provides washing programmes that are tailored according to the different washing needs of the household so that a cycle can be selected depending on the care instructions.
Haier F5 10KG Front Load Washing Machine
The Haier F5 10KG Front Load Washing Machine (HW100-IM14F5BKU1) has a washing capacity of 10 kg and offers 14 washing programmes.
Delicate, Saree, Cotton, Hygiene, Eco, Quick, and AI Wash are some of the programmes it offers.
This option is beneficial for homes that have various types of clothing, as it offers more flexibility than using a standard washing cycle.
It has the following outstanding features:
- AI Wash technology is used to optimise washing cycles.
- A 525 mm drum to help the fabric to pass through and to prevent tangling.
- A colour touch screen for easy programme selection.
- Smart laundry management with Wi-Fi connectivity.
- An inverter motor with low noise and high efficiency.
- Functions to adjust the temperature and spin-speed.
For cycles that are appropriate for certain garments that can be treated more gently, the Delicate and Saree programmes come into mind.
But, these programs should be used only if the clothing label allows it to be washed in the machine.
Haier F5 9KG Front Load Washing Machine
If you’re looking for a slightly smaller capacity, the Haier F5 9KG Front Load Washing Machine (HW90-IM14F5BKU1) is another choice.
It has a capacity of 9kg and 14 washing programmes such as Delicate, Saree, Cotton and AI Wash.
It also features a 525 mm drum, Wi-Fi connectivity, a full-colour touch display and an inverter motor.
It has adjustable washing functions that enable the selection of function based on the washing requirements of the machine washable garments.
Both models of F5 are 5-star energy efficient and have several programme options to manage laundry at home.
These characteristics can help make laundry tasks easier and more convenient for households that wash various types of clothes regularly.
The key to remember is: Always follow the care label instructions when using a machine, no matter what programmes it offers.
Before Cleaning Your Bhai Dooj Kurta, What Should You Do?
Now a practical situation.
You have been wearing a favorite kurta made of silk for a few hours. It is clean, but there is a light food stain around the sleeve.
The initial thought that may cross your mind is to wash the entire garment.
Not necessarily the best approach.
First, determine if cleaning is necessary.
Look for Any Visible Stains
Check the neck line, cuffs and the front of the kurta.
Different cleaning techniques are needed for food stains, perfume marks and perspiration.
Do not rub stains hard or use household stain removers unless they are known to be appropriate.
If the article of clothing needs professional cleaning, tell the cleaner what stain it has and where it is likely to have come from.
Always Read the Complete Label
Do not stop once you’ve identified the washing symbol.
Look for any other directions on the garment regarding:
- Bleaching restrictions
- Maximum washing temperature
- Tumble drying
- Ironing temperature
- Professional cleaning requirements
These instructions complement each other.
Dress in Separate Clothing for the Holidays
Avoid putting fine fabrics over zips, hooks, and rough decorative surfaces.
Silk blends that are washable can still snag with inappropriate items.
If the care instructions allow, it may be better to get a professional to clean the heavily embellished kurtas.
What to Do After Bhai Dooj with Silk Kurta?
Cleaning is just one aspect of festive clothing maintenance.
Storage is also important because the kurta might not be used until another family event.
Before storing, make sure the garment is clean and dry.
Excessive moisture may cause odours and spoilage during long periods of storage.
In the case of appropriate silk clothing:
- Keep in a clean, dry wardrobe.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
- Do not use airtight plastic packaging, use breathable garment covers.
- If you are embroidering a kurtas, take care to fold it so that it is not stretched around the shoulders.
- Do not put heavy items on top of delicate decorations.
Fold the garment occasionally while it is stored for a long time to prevent it from creasing permanently.
Also, keep in mind that fragrance should not be sprayed directly onto delicate silk before being stored. Some may leave marks or cause a finish change.
Take Care of Your Holiday Clothes
The Bhai Dooj kurta might only be worn a couple of times in a year. However, with a hasty wash, it can alter its appearance long before the next celebration.
The easiest way to do this is to read the care symbols, obey the washing instructions and use the right kind of cleaning products for the right garment.
Haier India F5 9KG and F5 10KG Front Load Washing Machines have fabric-specific programmes, smart features, and convenient washing controls for machine washable festive clothes and everyday laundry.
Discover Haier India’s front load washing machine collection, choose the right model for your laundry needs, and ensure that clean care of your garments is the top priority of every wash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I machine-wash a silk kurta if the label says hand wash?
No. A hand-wash instruction specifies a different cleaning method. Use the recommended hand-washing process rather than substituting a machine programme.
Does a delicate wash programme make all silk garments machine-washable?
No. Delicate programmes are suitable only for garments whose care instructions permit the selected washing method.
What does a crossed-out washing tub mean on silk clothing?
It means the garment must not be washed with water, either by hand or in a washing machine. Follow the remaining professional cleaning instructions.
Can silk-blend kurtas be washed in a front load washing machine?
Some silk blends can be machine-washed, depending on their care labels and construction. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before selecting a programme.
Can I use Haier’s Saree programme for my silk kurta?
Only if the garment’s care label permits machine washing and the selected programme’s settings are suitable for that garment. The Saree programme does not override dry-clean-only or hand-wash instructions.