A bridal lehenga is worn for a day and kept for a lifetime. Stored carelessly, zari blackens and silk yellows within a few monsoons. Here's how to keep it wedding-day fresh.
1. Clean it before storing — always
Invisible sweat, perfume and food residue oxidise over time into permanent brown marks. Professional cleaning before storage is the single most important step.
2. Never seal in plastic
Plastic traps moisture and makes fabric sweat. Wrap the lehenga in unbleached muslin or pure cotton cloth so it can breathe.
3. Protect the zari
Metallic threads tarnish on contact with air and humidity. Place acid-free tissue between heavily embroidered sections to stop them rubbing and blackening.
4. Refold every few months
Permanent creases weaken fibres along the fold line. Re-fold along different lines two or three times a year.
5. Store cool, dark and dry
Keep it away from sunlight and damp walls. A few silica gel sachets nearby control humidity beautifully.
LoomLift offers heirloom-grade bridal cleaning and muslin boxing — the same method used for museum textiles.
