Silk Saree Care: Wash, Dry Clean or Neither?

A good silk saree can last thirty years. Most of the ones that don't are hurt by one wrong wash, or by a year folded the same way in a plastic bag. The good news is that caring for silk isn't complicated once you know which situations call for what.

When to send it for dry cleaning

Send it to a dry cleaner when:

• It has zari, embroidery, sequins or stone work
• It's a heavy silk like Kanjeevaram, Banarasi or Paithani
• It's being cleaned for the first time (the colour may not be fixed yet)
• It has an oil, food or makeup stain you can't identify

Zari and heavy silks don't like water and rubbing. A dry cleaner who knows silk will clean the stained area by hand and use a gentle process for the rest.

When a gentle wash at home is fine

Light, everyday silks without zari can often be hand-washed at home after the first one or two dry cleans:

1. Use cold water and a mild liquid detergent meant for silk or wool.
2. Soak for no more than five minutes. Don't rub or wring.
3. Rinse in cold water, then roll the saree in a towel to remove water.
4. Dry flat or on a wide rod, in the shade. Direct sun fades silk.

If the colour runs in the first rinse, stop and send it to a dry cleaner.

When to do neither

Not every wear needs a wash. If you wore it for a few hours and it isn't stained or sweaty, air it out in the shade for a few hours, then fold it away. Over-cleaning wears silk out faster than wearing it does.

Three mistakes that ruin a silk saree

• Ironing directly on silk at high heat. Use low heat and a cotton cloth between the iron and the saree. Iron zari from the back.
• Storing it in plastic. Silk needs air. Plastic traps moisture and can yellow the fabric. Use a soft cotton or muslin cloth.
• Folding it the same way for a year. Fabric weakens along fold lines, and zari can crack. Refold your sarees every two or three months.

Before you hand it over

Point out every stain to the dry cleaner, and tell them what it is if you know. Ask whether they clean silk in-house, and get the ready date in writing. If the saree is precious, ask whether they'll hand-finish the pleats and fall area.

Find someone who knows silk

On Launzo you can compare dry cleaners in your sector, see who handles silk and delicate fabrics, check when your saree will be ready, and read reviews from customers with a verified order. Then message the shop directly on WhatsApp.