How to Clean and Store Silk Sarees and Lehengas

Silk sarees and lehengas, especially with zari or embroidery, should be dry cleaned rather than washed, because water can dull silk, bleed colours and tarnish metallic threads. Store them clean and fully dry, wrapped in soft cotton or muslin rather than plastic, and refold them every few months along different lines so the zari does not crack.

Last updated: 2026-11-04 · By the Mr & Mrs Laundry team, Mumbai

Why not wash silk and zari at home?

Silk fibres lose their natural sheen and can develop water marks when soaked, and many traditional dyes bleed. Zari — metallic thread — can tarnish and turn black when exposed to water and detergent, and heavy embroidery or stone work can loosen as the fabric moves in water. Lightweight silks sometimes carry a “hand wash” label; for anything heavy, embroidered or precious, dry cleaning is the safer option.

What to do with a stain after a function

• Blot fresh spills gently with a clean white cloth. Do not rub — rubbing spreads the stain and roughens silk.
• Do not apply water, soap, salt or talc to silk; home remedies often leave a bigger ring than the original stain.
• Keep turmeric, haldi and mehendi stains away from sunlight until cleaned, as light can set them.
• Send the outfit for cleaning within a few days and tell the cleaner what caused each stain.

How to store silk sarees and lehengas

• Store only clean garments — food and perspiration left on silk attract insects and yellow over time.
• Wrap each piece in a soft cotton or muslin cloth, or an old cotton saree. Avoid plastic covers, which trap moisture.
• Refold sarees every two to three months along different lines; zari can crack along folds that stay the same for years.
• Keep heavy lehengas flat or loosely folded with tissue between layers rather than on thin hangers that strain the waist.
• If you use naphthalene or other insect repellents, wrap them separately and keep them away from direct contact with zari and silk.

Monsoon care for ethnic wear

Mumbai’s monsoon humidity is the biggest risk to stored silk: mildew can leave spots that do not come out. Keep moisture absorbers or silica gel in the cupboard, open and air the cupboard on dry days, and take precious pieces out for a few hours of airing in shade once the rains end.

Handing over a saree or lehenga for dry cleaning

Point out every stain, loose stone and hanging thread before handing it over, and give the full set — blouse, dupatta and skirt — so colours are cleaned and checked together. At Mr & Mrs Laundry, saree dry cleaning starts at ₹199 and bridal lehengas are ₹499; you can book a pickup on WhatsApp at +91 91522 33822.