Saree care
So it lasts for years
Washing
- Dry clean silk and zari sarees, at least for the first wash.
- If you wash by hand, use cold water and a mild liquid soap. Wash it on its own, because dark colors can run.
- Do not wring silk. Press the water out gently.
Drying and ironing
- Dry in the shade. Strong sun can fade silk.
- Iron on low heat, on the reverse side, with a cotton cloth between the iron and the saree.
- Do not press a hot iron directly on zari.
Storing
- Wrap the saree in soft cotton or muslin cloth. Do not store it in plastic.
- Refold it every few months, so the folds do not wear or crack.
- Keep moth balls away from the saree. They can tarnish zari.
Wearing
- Put on perfume before you dress, not on the silk.
- Air the saree after wearing it, then fold it away.
- Do not rub a stain. Take it to a dry cleaner soon.