First unwrap
Open your parcel on a clean cotton bedsheet. Unfold the saree gently along its existing creases, admire it, then air it in the shade for an hour before the first wear.
Washing
- Silk (Kanjivaram, Banarasi, Patola): dry-clean only for the first three washes.
- Cotton & linen: hand-wash in cool water with a mild pH-neutral soap. No wringing.
- Wash dark colours separately for the first two washes — natural dyes can bleed a little.
- Never use bleach, hot water, or a washing machine on a handloom saree.
Drying
Dry flat in the shade, pallu-side down. Direct sunlight fades vegetable dyes and dulls zari. If you must hang, use a padded hanger and rotate weekly to prevent shoulder marks.
Ironing
Iron on the reverse side while still slightly damp. Silk: low setting. Cotton: medium with a muslin cloth over the zari. Do not iron directly on embroidery or hand-painted motifs.
Storing
- Wrap in the cotton muslin bag that shipped with your saree — never plastic.
- Refold along a new axis every 3 months to prevent zari cracks along the seam.
- Tuck a few cloves or dried neem leaves into the fold — silverfish hate both.
- Air out your saree cupboard once a season on a dry, bright day.
Small snags
A pulled thread is not a defect — that's the loom telling you it's real. Gently pull the thread through to the reverse using a needle; do not cut it. If a zari edge lifts, take it to a local rafoo (invisible mend) specialist rather than glueing it.