How to Care for Your Silk Saree

A silk saree, cared for well, can last a lifetime and more. The investment you make in a handwoven piece deserves the attention that keeps it beautiful through every wearing.

Always dry clean your silk sarees rather than washing them at home. Water and agitation can distort the weave, fade the colour, and damage delicate zari work. If dry cleaning is not available, hand wash very gently in cold water with a pH-neutral soap and lay flat to dry in the shade.

Store silk sarees in cotton or muslin bags — never plastic, which traps moisture and encourages mildew. Refold sarees along different lines every few months to prevent permanent crease marks along the same fold. A small sachet of dried neem leaves in the storage bag will keep insects away without chemicals.

To remove wrinkles, steam gently from the reverse side rather than ironing directly. If you must iron, use a low setting and always place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the saree. Never iron over embroidery, zari, or embellishments.