Silk Care Guide
Last updated: 28 July 2026
Banarasi and Varanasi silk is a living textile. With the right care, your saree, dupatta, or fabric length keeps its drape, zari lustre, and weave character for years. This guide covers everyday storage, cleaning, ironing, and long-term preservation for KashiFab products.
1. First wear and airing
Silk can hold finishing agents from weaving or packing. Before first wear, air the piece in shade for 30-60 minutes. Avoid direct midday sun, which can fade some dyes and heat-set creases unevenly.
2. Storage at home
- Store clean, fully dry silk in a breathable cotton saree bag or muslin wrap.
- Fold along natural lines and place tissue paper between folds for heavy zari borders.
- Keep away from plastic covers for long periods – trapped moisture can weaken fibres.
- Use neem leaves or cedar blocks (not direct contact with fabric) in wardrobes to deter insects.
- Hang only lightweight silks; heavy brocades and bridal sarees are safer folded flat.
2.1 Zari and brocade care
Real zari and brocade motifs are delicate. Avoid sharp jewellery snags, rough bag straps, and repeated friction on border edges. For heavy wedding sarees, roll borders inward while storing to reduce pressure on raised motifs.
3. Cleaning and washing
3.1 Dry clean (recommended)
For bridal sarees, heavy brocade, tissue silk, kimkhab, and richly embroidered pieces, professional dry cleaning is the safest option. Tell your cleaner the garment is silk with metallic yarn.
3.2 Hand wash (light silks only)
Some lighter silks and daily-wear pieces may be hand washed in cool water with a mild pH-neutral detergent. Do not wring. Swirl gently, rinse twice, and roll in a clean towel to remove excess water. Dry flat in shade.
3.3 What to avoid
- Bleach, harsh stain removers, and enzyme detergents
- Machine washing and tumble drying
- Hot water, which can shrink silk and dull zari
- Prolonged soaking of metallic borders
4. Stain response (quick actions)
Blot spills immediately with a clean white cloth. Do not rub zari areas. For oil or food marks, stop home experiments on bridal pieces and consult a dry cleaner. For light marks on everyday silk, spot-clean with cool water and mild soap only on the affected area.
5. Ironing and steaming
Iron on low heat on the reverse side while slightly damp, or use a steamer at a safe distance. Place a thin cotton press cloth over zari sections. Never press directly on raised brocade or foil tissue highlights.
6. Fabric by the metre (uncut yardage)
Store rolled or folded with the right side protected. If you plan tailoring later, keep the full length intact until your master takes measurements. Pre-wash only when your tailor confirms the construction method.
7. Travel and event day tips
- Carry silk in a long garment bag with minimal folding for pre-draped sarees.
- Pack a small steamer-safe hanger for touch-ups before photos.
- Avoid perfume directly on fabric; spray on skin and let it settle first.
8. When to contact KashiFab
If you received a product with a weaving fault, wrong meterage, or transit damage, email info@kashifab.com within 48 hours of delivery with photos and your order number. See our Shipping and Returns policy for eligibility.
