‘Don’t put naphthalene balls…’: Folk singer Malini Awasthi on how she preserved sarees for 40 years

Malini Awasthi, a folk singer, has been preserving her family’s silk sarees for over 40 years. In an interview with Hauterfly, she offered some traditional advice on how to keep sarees in good condition. Awasthi advised against using open naphthalene balls and plastic bags for storage, as they can trap moisture and cause the fabric to oxidize and turn black.

Instead, she recommended wrapping the saree in breathable natural fabric and storing it in a clean cotton or mulmul dupatta. According to Paridhi Dhanuka, Assistant Professor of Fashion & Textiles at Pearl Academy, plastic is not ideal for long-term storage of silk sarees, especially pure silk and zari varieties. Plastic does not allow the textile to breathe, which can lead to mildew, dark spots, and weakened fabric.

Additionally, the residues from perfumes, deodorants, and the wearer’s sweat can react with the fabric and metallic threads if stored without airing or cleaning. Naphthalene balls should also be stored carefully, as their fumes can be harmful when inhaled over time. Instead, Dhanuka recommends using traditional alternatives like dried neem leaves and cloves, which can be kept in a small cotton or muslin pouch for pest protection.

To store silks and zari sarees effectively, the sarees should be completely dry and clean before storage. Using breathable natural fabrics like muslin bags or clean cotton or mulmul dupattas is recommended. Rolling the saree on a wooden rod or archival tube and changing the position of folds every few months can help prevent hard creases.

Storing sarees in a dark, dry cupboard away from sunlight and occasional airing in dry weather can also help maintain their quality.