Never Machine-wash a sari. A Saree should be either delicately hand washed or dry cleaned. If you choose to wash the saree at home please wash a very small corner of the saree as a test for fabric and colors running ( must be done for all colors on the same saree independently ).
Do not wash with detergent in the beginning
After two or three plain water washes, use a good detergent and clean quickly. Do not keep the sari soaked in detergent for long.
Do not brush or lash a Silk Saree. This would lead to tearing of the silk or zari
Wash (Pallu) Mundi and Border separately in the beginning
Do not bundle and keep wet for a long time
In case of stains, wash with cold water immediately
For hard stains, get the Sari Dry Cleaned.
Do not bundle the wet saree along with other garments liable to cause staining
While ironing, keep the iron in medium or low heat.
It is recommended to iron the saree between two pieces of white cloth. It is not recommended to wet the saree prior to ironing or to use a steam iron.
Store Saree in a cool dry place. Do not store silks with zari/metal yarns in plastics , plastics react with and turn the zari dark. Zari will also oxidise if in contact with humid air, they are best protected in cotton lined boxes or covers.
Only pre-washed silk is washable. Read the label!
Dry cleaning is generally preferred, since laundering detergent and dyes in other clothes may adversely affect silk fabric.
For washable silk, follow the care instructions carefully.
For items without linings and without embellishments attached, careful hand washing is permissible, with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Chlorine bleach should never be used on silk.
For long-time storage, silk should be sealed against light, air and insects, storing the silk rolled on a cardboard pipe will prevent creases and hence also prevent the silk from getting cut due to cracking.
For specific instructions, you can always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.
1. Dry-Cleaning is Preferablegenerally silk sarees should be dry cleaned. In hand washing, the consistency of the silk may be altered, depending on the finishing treatment used to give it sheen and the colour may run. Chlorine bleach damages silk and causes it to yellow.
2. Washing SilksCertain pre-wash techniques have made certain silks washable. Check a small corner of the product as at test . After washing, one should roll in a white towel to remove the excess moisture, and then hang dry on a padded hanger.
3. StainsBelow mentioned techniques are only suggestions, taking the help of a professional launderer is recommended.
Stained silk sarees should be dry-cleaned as soon as possible. Dyes and sizing’s tend to discolour with moisture. Therefore attempting to remove stains with water is not recommended without first testing the silk for colourfastness. It is difficult to remove a concentrated food or beverage stain. Scrubbing or pressing could ruin the fabric.
Protein Stains: These stains include blood, deodorant, egg, meat juices and perspiration. To clear such stains, first apply detergent to the garment. Then it should be soaked in cool water and laundered. In case of persistent stains, try rubbing a mixture with few drops of Nh2 with hydrogen peroxide.
Combination Stains: These stains include chocolate, gravy, ice cream and milk. First a dry-clean solvent should be applied and then dried. The protein part of the stain supplement can be removed by applying liquid detergent and rinsing with cool water. Then after using a prewash stain remover, wash silk fabric in lukewarm water.
Nail polish Stain: This can to be treated by rubbing acetone on the area.
Lipstick Stains: First use Dry-cleaning fluids and then washing in soap water used to remove lipstick stains.
Grease: oils, butter, margarine, crayon, medicines and oil-based cosmetics usually cause these stains. Dabbing on talc immediately will lift the stain. After brushing off the talc, a stain remover can be applied and the silk fabric should washed in lukewarm water.
Any stain removal procedures may affect the original colors and fabrics may get damaged!