Saree Care 101: Storing and Maintaining Silk, Cotton and Georgette

A saree's drape is unstructured by design — which means the right care routine matters more than with stitched garments. Here's how to keep silk, cotton, and georgette sarees looking new for years.

Storing Silk Sarees

Never store silk in plastic bags — the fabric needs to breathe, and trapped moisture leads to fungal spotting. Wrap in a soft muslin or cotton cloth, and refold every 2-3 months along different lines to prevent permanent creases and fabric weakening at the folds.

Cotton Saree Care

Cotton is more forgiving but shrinks and fades faster. Hand wash in cold water, avoid harsh detergent, and dry in shade rather than direct sun to prevent colour fading, especially for printed or block-print cottons.

Georgette and Chiffon

These synthetic-blend fabrics are prone to snagging on rough surfaces and jewellery. Dry clean is safest for embellished pieces; plain georgette can be hand washed gently and hung to dry, never wrung.

Zari and Embroidery Work

Real zari (silver/gold thread) tarnishes with humidity and direct sunlight. Store zari-heavy sarees separately, ideally with a silica gel packet nearby, and always dry clean rather than wash at home.

Ironing Tips

Iron silk and zari sarees inside-out on a low-medium setting, with a thin cotton cloth between the iron and fabric. This prevents the zari from getting scorched or turning dull.

General Rules

• Rotate storage position every few months to avoid permanent fold marks
• Keep away from direct sunlight and tube lights for long periods
• Air out sarees every few months, especially during monsoon season
• Always remove jewellery pins and brooches before folding for storage

A well-cared-for saree easily lasts a decade or more — sometimes becoming a piece worth passing down. At Anula Nexus, we include fabric-specific care instructions with every saree so you know exactly how to look after your piece.