Fabric care

Most of what keeps a saree or a suit beautiful for years is simple: dry clean the silks, wash the cottons gently, and store everything folded loosely, away from damp and direct sun.

Silks with zari: Kanjivaram, Banarasi, Paithani, Patola

• Dry clean only. Water can dull zari and loosen the dye in heavier silks.
• Air the saree for an hour after wearing before folding it away.
• Wrap it in a soft cotton or muslin cloth, never plastic, which traps moisture.
• Refold every few months along different lines, so the zari does not crack along one crease.
• Keep perfume and deodorant off the cloth. Put them on before you dress and let them dry.

Silk suits and organza

• Dry clean, at least for the first few washes. If in doubt, always dry clean.
• Iron organza on the lowest heat with a cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric. It marks easily.
• Hang organza dupattas rather than folding them tightly.

Chanderi

• Dry clean, or a gentle cold hand wash for plain Chanderi without heavy zari.
• Do not wring. Roll in a towel to press the water out, then dry flat in the shade.
• Iron on low to medium heat while still slightly damp.

Bandhani

• Dry clean for the first wash. Bandhani dyes can run when new.
• After that, wash separately in cold water with a mild detergent, and dry in the shade.
• Avoid ironing directly on the tied dots; iron from the reverse.

Cotton, mul, muslin and Ajrakh-print

• Hand wash or a gentle machine wash in cold water, inside out, with similar colours.
• Wash prints separately for the first two or three washes.
• Dry in the shade. Strong sun fades printed and dyed colours.
• Iron on medium heat while slightly damp. These cloths soften with every wash.

Chikankari

• Hand wash gently in cold water, or dry clean if the embroidery is dense.
• Do not scrub the embroidered areas.
• Iron from the reverse, on a towel, so the stitches stay raised.

Stains

Blot, do not rub. For anything on silk or zari, take it to a dry cleaner as soon as you can and tell them what the stain is. Home remedies on silk often leave a ring that is harder to remove than the stain.