Saree Trivia: How Do You Wash Sarees in USA

Trust me since I came here to Austin, 20 years back carrying loads of heirlooms and the sarees I love to wear from my home in Kolkata, the first thing which struck me was washing them.

The weather in the USA is so different from the rest of the world. The washing and taking care of the saree has to be different as well. However, in reality, it is not much different. But you have to make some delicate arrangements depending on the fabric and embellishments.

Here's a general guide I have prepared based on my experience over the years and hope this helps all my patrons who are new in USA or who have been looking for a solution for ages:

#1. Check the Fabric Care Label

Every saree come with a fabric care tag. Before washing, always check the care label on the saree. It will give you specific instructions on how to wash that particular fabric. Whether to iron it, whether to tumble wash, whether to iron or not. If you don't remember then you can find this guide handy. Below are some of the images with care labels for various and common fabrics.

Care Labels for Silks: Raw, Tussar, Tissue, Banarasi, Kanjeevaram

Care Labels for Linen: Linen, Chiffon, Chinon

Care Labels for Cotton: Jamdani, Khadi, Embroidered, Hand Painted, Handloom

#2. Wash by Separating Colors

Sort your sarees by color to avoid any bleeding or color transfer during the wash.

#3. Hand Wash or Machine Wash

Hand washing is usually gentler, especially for delicate sarees. Use a mild detergent and lukewarm water. If you prefer machine washing, use a gentle cycle and put the sarees in a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling.

#4. Avoid Harsh Detergents

Opt for mild detergents or those specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Harsh detergents can damage the fabric or fade the colors.

#5. Soak Carefully

If there are stains, soak the saree in cold water with a gentle detergent before washing. Avoid soaking for too long, especially for silk sarees, as it can weaken the fibers.

#6. Gentle Handling: Be gentle when washing and rinsing the saree to avoid stretching or damaging the fabric.

#7. Consider the Drying

Hang the saree to dry in a shaded area away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading. Avoid wringing the saree too tightly as it can damage the fabric.

#8. Know the steps of Ironing

Iron the saree on a low heat setting while it's still slightly damp to remove wrinkles. Use a pressing cloth if needed to protect delicate fabrics.

To know more about how to store your sarees refer to this cool blog we already have on our website: Saree Trivia: Should We Store Silk Sarees in Closed Boxes? – IndyVogue

Wrap it Up

Always remember to take extra care with delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon. If you're unsure about washing a particular saree, consider getting it dry-cleaned to ensure its longevity.

About the author

Sumana Bhattacharya completed her Masters in Economics from the University of Calcutta & was working with the Department of Education, Govt. of West Bengal to provide training to the teachers in Government Schools. She moved to USA in 2005 after getting married & is the mother of 2 kids. She is the one that drives IndyVogue every day, every hour, every minute and every second. Salute to her and her undying spirit.