How to wash and store a silk saree so it lasts a generation
A good silk saree is meant to outlive the occasion you bought it for, and often the person who bought it. Whether it does comes down to care. This is the routine we repeat across the counter every week, written down so you have it at home.
Should you wash silk at home
Mostly, no. Pure silk and anything with zari should be dry cleaned, and only dry cleaned; one home wash can dull the zari for good. Art-silk is more forgiving and can take a gentle cold hand wash, but never wring it. The safest first move with any silk you value is the dry cleaner, not the bucket.
Drying without damage
If you do hand wash art-silk, do not hang it dripping; the weight pulls it out of shape. Roll it in a dry towel to take out most of the water, then dry it flat or on a wide line, in the shade. Direct Delhi sun fades a deep colour quickly, so shade is not optional.
Folding, and the once-a-season refold
Silk that sits folded the same way for years develops creases that become permanent cuts along the fold lines. Twice a year, take the saree out and refold it along different lines. Air it for an hour in the shade before you fold it away again. This single habit saves more sarees than any other.
Storing through a Delhi monsoon
Store silk in a cotton or muslin bag, never plastic; silk needs to breathe, and plastic traps the damp that brings mildew. Keep it away from direct light. Through the monsoon, air the saree on a dry day now and then. A few neem leaves or a piece of cedar in the cupboard keep insects off without the smell of mothballs.
When to see a professional
A stain, a pulled zari thread, or a tear is a job for someone who handles silk for a living, done sooner rather than later. A small repair now is cheaper than a ruined pallu later.
That is the whole routine. The shorter version for cotton, georgette and wool is in our fabric care guide, and if you are still choosing, how to tell real silk from art-silk will help you buy well in the first place.
Common questions
Dry clean or hand wash silk?
Dry clean pure silk and zari. Only art-silk takes a gentle cold hand wash, and never wring it.
How often should I refold it?
Twice a year, along different lines, so the creases never harden into cuts.
Why not store silk in plastic?
Plastic traps damp and brings mildew. Silk needs to breathe in a cotton or muslin bag.