Care Tips for Your Handloom Sarees: Keep Your Heritage Alive

Why Handloom Sarees Need Special Care

Handloom sarees are delicately woven using natural fibers like silk, cotton, or tissue, often dyed and designed using traditional techniques such as batik, kalamkari, or zari weaving. Unlike machine-made fabrics, these sarees are fragile and sensitive to handling, washing, and storage. A little extra attention ensures they last for years, maintaining their richness and form.

1. Washing Tips: Handle With Love

For First Wash:

Always dry clean your handloom saree the first time. This helps set the colors and preserve the texture.

For Home Wash (if applicable):

• Use cold water and a mild liquid detergent (avoid harsh soaps or bleach).

• Gently hand-wash—never scrub, wring, or brush.

• Do not soak handloom sarees for long durations, especially silk and batik varieties.

• Rinse lightly and dry in shade to prevent color fading.

Pro Tip: Avoid machine washing, especially for silk, zari-bordered, and hand-painted sarees.

2. Drying: Avoid Direct Sunlight

Hang the saree on a flat surface or wide hanger to avoid creases. Never dry under direct sunlight—this can cause fading and weaken delicate fibers. Always dry your sarees in shade and inside out.

3. Ironing: Gentle Heat is Key

• Always iron on the reverse side to protect the weave and color.

• Use low to medium heat, especially for silk and tissue fabrics.

• For zari or metallic borders, place a cotton cloth over the saree while ironing.

4. Storing: Keep It Breathable

Proper storage is vital in preserving your saree’s beauty and fabric quality. Here’s how:

• Always fold sarees with the zari or border inwards to avoid tarnishing.

• Store in muslin or cotton cloth bags to allow air circulation.

• Avoid plastic covers—they trap moisture and cause yellowing.

• For silk sarees, refold every 3 months to prevent permanent creases.

• Keep away from direct exposure to moisture and humidity.

Pro Tip: Add neem leaves or dried lavender sachets to protect against insects naturally.

5. Spot Cleaning: Act Quickly

For accidental stains:

• Blot gently with a clean cloth—don’t rub.

• Use a mild soap solution or consult a professional cleaner for tougher stains, especially on silk and hand-painted sarees.

6. Reviving an Old Saree

Have an heirloom saree that’s faded or wrinkled?

• Get it professionally dry-cleaned and re-polished.

• Add a modern blouse or belt to give it a fresh look.

• Repurpose older sarees into dupatta, kurtas, or even home decor.

Why Choose Handloom Sarees from Threads Tale

At Threads Tale, we celebrate handcrafted elegance with sarees that reflect India’s rich heritage - from Maheshwari and Chanderi to tissue silk and batik designs. Each saree is a piece of art, made with love by skilled artisans. When you care for your saree, you’re not just preserving fabric - you’re preserving tradition.

Looking to build your handloom collection?

Explore our carefully curated range of handwoven sarees and dupattas at Threads Tale. Quality, authenticity, and elegance - woven just for you.