How to Wash and Store Cotton, Chiffon and Linen Sarees
The simplest rule for saree care: hand wash plain mul cotton, mul modal and acrylic cotton gently in cold water; dry clean pure chiffon, tissue, zari, embroidered and painted sarees; and dry clean handloom linen too. Always dry in the shade, never wring, and store sarees folded in cotton, not plastic. This guide covers each fabric, the first wash, step by step hand washing, drying, ironing, starch, stains, storage, travel and the mistakes that shorten a saree’s life.
Care by Fabric
When in doubt, check the care line on the product page or the label, and choose the gentler option. More about each fabric: what is mul cotton and what is a chiffon saree.
The First Wash
Dyed cotton can release a little colour the first few times it is washed. That is normal and settles quickly. To be safe, test first: dab a hidden corner with a damp white cloth, and if colour comes off, wash the saree on its own. Many people add a handful of salt or a splash of white vinegar to the first cold soak, a traditional way to help the colour settle. Wash dark and bright sarees such as After Dark separately for the first few washes.
How to Hand Wash a Saree
Mauve Melody and our other mul modal sarees wash the same way and dry with fewer creases. Mul cotton gets softer with every wash.
Can You Machine Wash?
Hand washing is gentler and keeps mul cotton soft for longer. If you must use a machine, use it only for plain mul cotton or mul modal: put the saree in a mesh laundry bag, choose a cold, delicate cycle with a low spin, and take it out as soon as the cycle ends. Never machine wash chiffon, linen, tissue, zari, embroidered or painted sarees; these should be dry cleaned.
Drying
Ironing and Starch
Iron cotton and linen while slightly damp, or use steam; it is much easier and gives a smoother finish. Starch is optional. A light starch gives mul cotton a crisper drape for the office, but too much makes it stiff and harder to pleat. Never starch chiffon, tissue or zari.
Handloom linen such as Composure creases naturally, which is part of its character. Iron it while damp on a high setting, and iron the zari border on the reverse.
Stains
Always test a stain treatment on a hidden corner first, and work from the back of the fabric so you push the stain out rather than in.
Storing Sarees
Tissue sarees such as Devina should always be dry cleaned and stored flat. Bend the zari as little as possible; sharp folds can crack metallic threads over time.
Packing for Travel
Roll cotton and linen sarees instead of folding them; they arrive with fewer creases. Keep zari and tissue sarees flat in a cotton bag at the top of the case. Carry a few spare safety pins and a small travel steamer if you can.
Keeping White Sarees White
Wash white sarees such as Vanilla Mousse separately, in cold water, and dry them in the shade. Store them in cotton, never plastic, which can cause yellowing. Our white saree guide has styling ideas.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Hot water. It fades colour and can shrink cotton.
- Wringing. It breaks fibres and leaves deep creases.
- Drying in direct sun. Colours fade, especially on the folds.
- Washing zari, tissue, chiffon, linen, embroidered or painted sarees at home.
- Storing a worn saree unwashed. Sweat and perfume stain over time.
- Plastic covers. They trap moisture and can yellow fabric.
For a fresh drape after washing, read how to drape a mul cotton saree. To shop by fabric, see our mul cotton, mul modal, linen, chiffon and tissue sarees.
Questions People Ask
How do I wash a mul cotton saree at home?
Hand wash it gently in cold water with a mild detergent, rinse well, press the water out without wringing and dry it in the shade.
Can I machine wash a cotton saree?
Hand washing is better. If you must, use a mesh bag on a cold, delicate cycle, for plain mul cotton or mul modal only.
How do I stop a saree from bleeding colour?
Wash it separately in cold water for the first few washes. A handful of salt or a splash of white vinegar in the first soak is a traditional help.
Should I dry clean a linen saree?
Yes. Dry cleaning keeps handloom linen’s colour, sheen and zari border at their best.
Can I wash a chiffon saree at home?
We recommend dry cleaning. Pure chiffon is weaker when wet and should never be wrung.
How do I wash a zari or tissue saree?
Dry clean only. Water and detergent can tarnish and pull metallic threads.
How do I remove turmeric from a saree?
Rinse it in cold water from the back of the fabric before it dries. Avoid hot water, which sets the stain.
How should I store sarees?
Folded in cotton, in a dry, dark cupboard, refolded every few months. Store zari and tissue flat.
How do I iron a mul cotton saree?
On a medium setting, while slightly damp, or with steam.
