Looking after your saree
How to Care for Zari and Gold Thread Work on a Saree
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Zari — gold or silver metallic thread — appears across many fabrics and weaves, from Kanchipuram borders to a full Banarasi pallu. It has its own care rules regardless of what fabric it's woven into, because the thread itself is metal, not fibre.
What damages zari
Zari tarnishes with moisture and chemical exposure. Keep zari sarees away from perfume, deodorant and hairspray — spraying any of these while wearing the saree is one of the most common ways zari dulls prematurely.
Everyday care
If zari becomes dull, a gentle wipe with a soft, dry cloth restores some of its lustre. Never scrub or soak a zari border — moisture and friction are exactly what accelerates tarnishing and thread breakage.
Professional care
For heavily worked pieces — Kanchipuram, Paithani, Banarasi — professional dry-cleaning every 2–3 years maintains the sheen and prevents the thread from breaking down over time.
Storage
Interleave acid-free tissue between heavily worked sarees so the zari on one piece doesn't catch on the fabric of the one folded beside it. Store in breathable cotton or muslin, never airtight plastic.
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.