Care Guide

Fabric Care

Each SaraSutra piece is crafted from heritage fabrics that deserve thoughtful care. Follow these guides to keep your garments beautiful for years to come.

General Care Principles
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Always Check the Label

Each SaraSutra garment has a care label with specific instructions. When in doubt, follow the label — it is tailored to that exact piece.

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Natural Detergents

We recommend using natural or plant-based detergents for all ethnic wear. Harsh chemicals can strip natural dyes and weaken delicate fibres.

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Shade Drying

Direct sunlight is the enemy of vibrant colours. Always dry your ethnic wear in shade to preserve the richness of natural and traditional dyes.

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Proper Storage

Store ethnic wear folded in breathable muslin or cotton bags. Avoid plastic — it traps moisture and can cause mildew on natural fabrics.

Fabric-Specific Care

Chanderi is a delicate, lightweight silk-cotton blend known for its sheer texture and subtle sheen. It requires gentle handling to preserve its lustre and drape.

Do's
  • Dry clean recommended for best results
  • If hand washing, use cold water with mild detergent
  • Rinse gently without wringing or twisting
  • Dry flat in shade away from direct sunlight
  • Iron on low heat with a pressing cloth between iron and fabric
  • Store folded in a muslin cloth to prevent snagging
Don'ts
  • Do not machine wash
  • Do not use bleach or harsh detergents
  • Do not soak for extended periods
  • Do not wring or twist the fabric
  • Do not hang dry — it can distort the shape
  • Do not iron directly on embroidery or zari work

Cotton Chikankari and Kantha are breathable, everyday fabrics with intricate hand embroidery. A little care in washing keeps the thread work vivid and intact for years.

Do's
  • Hand wash or use machine on delicate cycle in cold water
  • Wash Chikankari pieces inside-out to protect thread work
  • Use gentle, pH-neutral detergent
  • Dry flat to prevent Kantha embroidery from puckering
  • Iron on medium heat inside-out using a pressing cloth
  • Store in a breathable cotton bag
Don'ts
  • Do not use bleach
  • Do not iron directly over embroidered sections
  • Do not tumble dry on high heat
  • Do not fold Kantha pieces on embroidered sections
  • Do not scrub or rub the thread work
  • Do not store in plastic bags

Phulkari is a traditional Punjab embroidery celebrated for its vivid silk-thread patterns. The dense needlework demands extra care during cleaning and storage.

Do's
  • Dry clean is strongly recommended
  • If hand washing, use very cold water and gentlest detergent
  • Dry flat in shade after washing
  • Iron only on reverse side using a thick pressing cloth
  • Wrap in acid-free tissue paper for storage
  • Air out periodically, especially in humid months
Don'ts
  • Do not rub or scrub embroidered sections
  • Do not wring or machine dry
  • Do not iron directly over Phulkari embroidery
  • Do not hang — can distort the fabric weave
  • Do not store without fully drying first
  • Do not use naphthalene balls near embroidered fabrics

Banarasi silk is among India's most treasured weaves, often interwoven with real gold or silver zari. Its care demands patience and gentleness to protect the metallic work.

Do's
  • Dry clean only for pieces with zari (metallic) work
  • For plain Banarasi silk, hand wash in cool water with silk detergent
  • Roll in a clean towel to absorb excess water
  • Lay flat in shade to dry
  • Iron on lowest heat with a cotton pressing cloth
  • Store wrapped in soft muslin, tissue paper between folds
Don'ts
  • Do not machine wash — the weave is irreplaceable
  • Do not expose to direct sunlight — fades zari permanently
  • Do not iron directly on zari — metallic threads can discolour
  • Do not store in humid conditions
  • Do not wring or twist the fabric
  • Do not let metallic threads snag on base fabric during storage

Khadi and handloom cotton are robust, earth-friendly fabrics with natural texture and warmth. They are low-maintenance but benefit from a few simple habits to stay beautiful.

Do's
  • Hand wash in cold water for the first few washes to prevent shrinkage
  • Use gentle soap or detergent
  • Hang in shade with adequate airflow to dry
  • Iron while slightly damp on medium-high heat
  • Store fully dry in a breathable cotton bag
  • Embrace natural creases — they are part of the charm
Don'ts
  • Do not use machine spin cycles — can distort the handloom weave
  • Do not tumble dry
  • Do not starch — weakens natural fibres over time
  • Do not store while damp
  • Do not use harsh detergents or bleach
  • Do not store in airtight plastic — fabric needs to breathe

Have a question about caring for a specific piece? Email us and we will be happy to advise.