A Guide to Caring for Handloom Sarees

Handloom sarees are made to last for generations, but a little care goes a long way in keeping their colours, weave and zari looking as good as the day they arrived.

Washing

Most handloom silk and cotton sarees are best dry-cleaned, especially those with zari or metallic thread work, which can tarnish with water and detergent. For pure cotton weaves without embellishment, a gentle hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent is usually safe — always test on an inside edge first.

Drying

Dry your saree in the shade rather than direct sunlight, which can fade natural dyes over time. Lay it flat or hang it evenly to avoid stretching the fabric out of shape.

Ironing

Iron on a low setting, and place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and any zari or embroidered sections to protect the threads from heat damage.

Storage

Fold your saree along different lines each time you store it, to avoid permanent creases along the same fold. Wrap it in a soft cotton or muslin cloth rather than plastic, which can trap moisture, and air it out every few months, especially during humid seasons.

A few things to avoid

Steer clear of direct perfume or deodorant contact on the fabric, and avoid storing your saree pinned with metal safety pins for long periods, as they can rust and stain the cloth.

With a bit of mindful care, a handloom saree can move from your wardrobe to the next generation's, just as it was made to.