Looking after your saree
How to Wash and Care for a Cotton Saree
Last updated
Handloom cotton sarees — Chanderi, Gadwal, Maheshwari — are more forgiving than silk, but the zari border and any natural dye still need gentler handling than the plain cotton body.
Washing
Treat a zari border like silk: fold the saree so the border faces inward before washing, so it isn't the part taking direct contact and friction. The cotton body itself can be hand-washed in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. Avoid soaking for longer than about 10 minutes — prolonged soaking can loosen natural dyes.
Drying and ironing
Dry in shade; direct sunlight fades vegetable and natural dyes quickly. Iron at a medium-cotton setting. A light starch is what gives Chanderi its characteristic crisp body — skip it if you prefer a softer fall.
Storage
Store in a breathable muslin or cotton cover rather than airtight plastic, which traps moisture and promotes mildew. Refold along a different line every few months to avoid a permanent crease.
Stains
Blot, don't rub, as soon as you notice a stain. For an oil-based mark, sprinkle cornflour or talcum powder to absorb it, leave for 30 minutes, then brush off gently before washing as usual. Take set or stubborn stains to a trusted dry-cleaner rather than scrubbing at home.
Questions
When in doubt, consult a professional dry-cleaner who specialises in sarees and delicate Indian textiles. A small investment in professional care protects a much larger investment in the piece itself.