How to Store and Care for Silk, Georgette and Embroidered Sarees

Washing rules by fabric

Pure silk and anything with zari or handwork should only be dry cleaned. Georgette can be gently hand-washed in cold water with mild detergent. Handloom cotton is machine-safe on a delicate cycle after the first separate wash to remove excess dye.

Folding and storage

Storage causes more damage than wear:

• Refold along different lines every few months to avoid permanent creases
• Wrap silk in cotton or muslin — never plastic, which traps moisture
• Keep naphthalene balls out of direct contact with zari
• Hang gowns and heavy lehengas; never hang a silk saree long-term

Protecting embroidery

Store embroidered blouses flat with tissue over the motifs, and turn the piece inside out if you must fold it. Loose beads should be re-secured immediately — one broken thread unravels a whole line of stitching.

Repairs and alterations

We repair damaged aari work, replace fallen stones and re-fit older blouses at our Mathikere boutique, including pieces bought elsewhere.