A well-kept saree looks elegant for years—whether it’s cotton for daily wear or a special silk for weddings. Bangalore’s weather can be humid during monsoon and dry the rest of the year, so a few simple habits make a big difference. Here’s a quick guide to washing, pressing, and storing sarees—plus when to call a professional.
When to wash, when to dry clean
- Cotton & linen sarees: Gentle machine wash in a laundry bag or hand wash. Use mild detergent, avoid heavy softeners, and dry in shade.
- Silk, tussar, and delicate blends: Prefer dry cleaning to protect colour, sheen, and zari. Water can leave rings on some silks and dull metallic threads.
- Heavily embellished sarees: Dry clean only. Stones, sequins, and borders need careful, low-friction handling.
Easy wash routine (for washable sarees)
- Cold water only: Hot water can bleed colours.
- Mild detergent: A tiny amount is enough—too much leaves residue and stiffness.
- No wringing: Gently press water out; use a towel roll to blot.
- Shade dry: Direct sun can fade colour. Hang horizontally or over a wide hanger to avoid stretching the pallu.
Why choose steam press for sarees
Steam relaxes fibres, removes wrinkles without crushing texture, and sets edges neatly. A professional steam press service in Bangalore will:
- Align and set the border/pallu true (edge-true finish).
- Avoid shine on dark cottons and silk.
- Use fabric-appropriate heat so zari and stones are protected.
- Return sarees pleat-ready if you request it—great for quick draping on busy mornings.
At-home ironing tips (if you must)
- Turn the saree inside out to reduce shine risk.
- Use low to medium heat and a pressing cloth for silk or satin.
- Press, don’t drag—gliding can distort the weave.
- Avoid ironing directly over zari or prints.
Stain basics for sarees
- Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean cloth to lift the stain.
- Skip heat. No hot water or ironing on stained areas.
- Tell the truth to your cleaner. “Oil splatter from tadka” or “turmeric” helps the stain specialist pick the right treatment.
Storing sarees the smart way
- Clean before storing: Body oils and perfume can mark over time.
- Breathable covers: Use cotton or muslin, not sealed plastic.
- Refold sometimes: For silk, change the fold every few months to prevent permanent lines.
- Keep fresh: Add cedar or neem sachets; avoid mothballs’ strong odour.
When to call a professional in Bangalore
- Big events and weddings (you want that crisp, pleat-ready look).
- Vintage or heirloom silks that need solvent care and gentle finishing.
- After monsoon, when home drying is slow and sarees risk a musty smell.
- If you need pickup & delivery with steam press and careful packing.
Quick checklist
- Wash cotton/linen at home; dry clean silk and embellished sarees.
- Choose steam press to set edges and avoid shine.
- Blot stains fast; share details with your cleaner.
- Store clean sarees in breathable covers; refold silks periodically.
