Quick answer
Banarasi sarees should be dry cleaned, not washed. Air them after wearing, keep perfume and sweat away from the zari, refold along new lines every few months and store in a cotton or muslin cloth. Take them to a specialist cleaner soon after any stain.
Key takeaways
- Dry clean Banarasi silk; do not wash or soak.
- Air after wearing and before folding.
- Refold along different lines every few months to avoid cuts at the creases.
- Store in muslin, not plastic.
Wearing it well
Apply perfume before dressing, not after, and use sweat guards for blouses. Avoid sitting on rough surfaces that can snag the zari.
After the function
Air the saree in shade for several hours before folding. Check for stains and note where they are. Bring it for cleaning within a week; see wedding season outfit care.
Cleaning
Dry clean only. Our wedding wear dry cleaning uses Green Earth Cleaning and hand finishing. Do not use home stain removers on silk.
Folding and storage
Fold in muslin and refold along different lines every few months. Keep it dry and away from moths. Read how to store silk and zari sarees and caring for zari work.
What is a Banarasi saree made of
Banarasi sarees are woven in silk with zari, thread wrapped in metal, and often have brocade patterns. The weight of the zari and the density of the weave make them heavy and vulnerable at the folds. That is why storage and refolding matter as much as cleaning.
Perspiration and perfume
Sweat can discolour silk and tarnish zari. Wear a sweat guard in the blouse and let the saree air before folding. Perfume applied directly to silk can leave marks; apply it before dressing.
Spills at a function
Blot, do not rub. Do not apply water, soda or home stain removers on silk or zari. Note the stain and its cause and bring the saree to us promptly; see wedding wear dry cleaning.
A care calendar
- After each wear: air in shade for several hours.
- Every two to three months in storage: unfold, air and refold along new lines.
- Before and after the wedding season: have it professionally checked or cleaned.
- Monsoon: keep it dry; add a silica sachet in the cupboard.
Plan ahead
Book collection a week before an event for any freshening. Schedule a collection.
