Introduction
Each saree comes with its story, from pure silk to light cotton, and each needs the right attention to keep it beautiful over the years. That’s where proper saree care and saree dry cleaning enter the picture!
It doesn’t matter whether it is a family heirloom or your go-to festive wrap; it is always important to know when to take it to the dry cleaner and when to clean it in the machine.And not to forget, you can match your (just in shape) saree with gorgeous saree blouses from Binks to complete your look effortlessly!
We shall begin with how you can make your sarees look fresh, bright, and just as beautiful as they were when you purchased them.
Why Saree Care Matters?
Your sarees are more than just a fabric! They’re memories wrapped in elegance. A good saree maintenance routine will mean that you can wear it longer, and it will also appear perfect each time you wear it. That’s why we’ve curated a quick saree care guide to help you get started.
1. Preserve Fabric Quality
The quality and the texture of every saree fabric are different. Taking proper care helps prevent premature wear and tear.
2. Retain Color and Shine
Whether it's silk, chiffon, or georgette, proper cleaning ensures that the colours do not fade and the shine is not lost.
3. Avoid Shrinkage and Damage
Gentle handling of machine-wash sarees ensures they don’t lose their shape.
4. Keep Embroidery Safe
Sarees with zari or stone work may be easily ruined unless they are handled with care.
5. Enhance Longevity
A well-maintained, clean saree can last easily for decades. Moreover, it can become a beautiful heirloom that you can pass to your children.
6. Save on Replacement Costs
Taking regular care of the saree means there will be fewer damages and you’ll avoid purchasing new sarees.
SAREE CARE: Should all sarees be dry-cleaned?
The simple answer is no. Cotton is a no-fuss, easy-to-wear material that can take machine washing. Similarly, chiffon and georgette sarees can also go on the machine. A good rule of thumb to follow for any saree is to look for instructions from the buyer. Furthermore, there is any specific note, stick to the note. Else, here is our list of delicate materials that need just a little extra care.
Saree Care: Silk
Indian silk sarees are a testament to our rich heritage. It is not just the richness of the fabric that adds to the allure; it is the variety. From Kanchipuram silks to Banaras silk sarees, many varieties and techniques are used to weave these luxury pieces. Moreover, as beautiful as they are, they are delicate, and the owner also must protect them. Silk sarees do not react well to water-based washing technique as it affects the delicate yarn and potentially tear the saree. To retain the viscosity of the saree, get them professionally cleaned and store them in a cool, dry area wrapped in butter paper.
Saree Care: Linen
Next, let’s talk about Linen. This naturally soft material is a boon to beat the intense Indian summer. Linen is a great alternative to cotton as it is more durable and completely eco-friendly. Although linen can withstand regular machine wash, it depends on the saree itself. If the saree is loosely weaved, then we recommend dry cleaning as a harsh wash cycle can potentially cause harm to the material. Follow the care instruction carefully to know if you need to machine wash or dry clean your linen saree.
Saree Care: Handloom
Handloom always holds a special place for its impeccable craftsmanship. Sometimes they can even be passed down generations for the technique, or worth cannot be replicated today. They are considered pieces of art. Deservedly, these sarees take a special place in your heart and closet. To care for handloom sarees, one has to be careful and delicate. Depending on the material of the handloom saree, one can choose to cold wash or dry clean. If you have a silk handloom saree, it is recommended to dry clean to ensure the saree retains its sheen, texture, and weight.
Saree Care: Organza/satin
Organza has become a popular choice in recent times. The sheer fabric is great evening wear. However, it needs extra care, thanks to its delicate nature. But there is a way around it. It is called the water test. Start by dipping a small portion of the saree in warm water and observe if the fabric undergoes any changes such as stretching, shrinking, or wrinkles. If the saree is intact, you may continue to hand wash the saree with cold water and use a gentle press to even out any crinkles. Otherwise, it is best to go for dry cleaning to ensure the saree lasts long.
Although dry cleaning helps persevere sarees, please note it is a chemical process. To protect the saree, it is recommended not to dry-clean often. Unless there is any stain, a single dry clean will suffice multiple wears. In addition, advise letting the saree dry in a well-lit area with good ventilation. Here is hoping your love for saree blooms!
Don’t forget to visit getbinks.com to get the perfect saree blouse to match your gorgeous saree.
Washing vs. Dry Cleaning Sarees: What’s Best for Each Type of Saree Fabric?
Deciding between saree dry clean and saree dry wash entirely depends on the detailing and fabric. Wondering how? Don’t worry, the following table will help facilitate your understanding.
|
Saree Type |
Traditional Washing |
Dry Cleaning |
|
Cotton Sarees |
Can be hand-washed with mild detergent; may fade over time. |
Not required unless heavily embroidered. |
|
Silk Sarees |
Risk of color bleeding and losing sheen. |
Retains shine and texture, making it ideal for long-term use. |
|
Silk Cotton Sarees |
Can be hand-washed gently; may shrink slightly. |
Helps maintain fabric integrity and softness. |
|
Handloom Sarees |
Hand-washing preferred; may lose stiffness. |
Prevents shrinkage and maintains fabric strength. |
|
Chiffon & Georgette Sarees |
Prone to damage and loss of flowy texture with water washing. |
Keeps fabric lightweight and prevents shrinkage. |
|
Brocade & Velvet Sarees |
Water can weaken fibers and damage embroidery. |
Preserves rich texture, shine, and structure. |
|
Zari Work / Embroidered Sarees |
Risk of tarnishing, color bleeding, and thread loosening. |
Ensures zari, sequins, and embellishments remain intact. |
Pro Tip: Check the label before hand, if you own a pre-stitched style or a one-minute sareebefore washing. Some blends might require dry cleaning to maintain their structure.
Saree Storage Tips to Extend Fabric Life
Even once you have done the dry cleaning of sarees, the way you keep them will make a massive difference to the longevity of the sarees.Correct storage will ensure that the fabrics remain soft, are protected from moisture damage, and maintain a fresh appearance with each passing season.
The following are some of the easy but useful tips:
1. Use Cotton or Muslin Bags
This is to ensure that the sarees are stored in breathable materials to prevent mildew and color loss.
2. Refold Periodically
Change the saree folds every 2-3 months. It helps prevent creasing in one place.
3. Avoid Plastic Covers
They trap the moisture and cause the fabric to turn yellow over a period of time.
4. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Store the sarees in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
5. Use Napthalene or Neem Leaves
To avoid insect attack and also keep them naturally fresh.
6. Hang Heavy Sarees Carefully
In order to preserve embroidery, heavily decorated sarees should be folded between layers using soft tissue paper.
Conclusion
Taking care of your saree should be an act of love and not just a daily chore! Whether you’re looking for tips on saree care, expert silk saree dry cleaning, or even ready-to-wear drapes, Binks is your ultimate destination.
From modern blouses and sophisticated sarees to a lehenga set, you will find everything that pleases your eyes and suits your personality. At Binks, we thoroughly understand that your wardrobe highlights your story, and we’re here to help you preserve every chapter beautifully.
Browse through our curated collection today and find the right pick that resonates with you and your wardrobe. Shop Now.
FAQs
1. How to know when a saree needs dry cleaning?
If your saree feels stiff, has stains, or loses its luster after multiple wears, it’s time for dry cleaning.
2. How can I prevent color bleeding during washing?
Always wash similar colors together in cold water and avoid harsh detergents to maintain the fabric dye.
3. What’s the best way to remove stains from zari work?
Never scrub zari. Instead, gently blot with a damp cloth and take it for professional dry cleaning if the stain persists.
