How to Wash and Care for Your Paithani Silk Saree
Treat Your Paithani Like the Heirloom It Is
A pure-silk Paithani saree is an investment meant to be passed down for generations. With the right care, its silk stays lustrous and its real zari stays bright for decades. Here is a complete, practical guide on how to wash, store and care for your Paithani silk saree.
Washing: Dry Clean First
For the first few washes, and for any heavily zari-worked or bridal Paithani, always dry clean. The real zari and delicate silk can be damaged by water and detergent. Tell your dry cleaner it is a pure-silk zari saree so they use the gentlest process.
If You Hand Wash
For simpler cotton or semi-silk Paithani, gentle hand washing is possible:
- Use cold water and a mild, silk-safe detergent — never harsh soap or bleach.
- Do not soak the saree for long; wash quickly and gently without wringing or twisting.
- Wash the saree separately the first few times, as natural dyes can bleed.
- Never scrub the zari border directly.
Drying: Keep It Out of Direct Sun
Dry your Paithani in shade, never in direct sunlight, which fades the colours and dulls the zari. Lay it flat or hang it over a padded rod. Avoid clips that can leave marks on the silk.
Ironing
Iron on a low silk setting, always with a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the saree. Never iron directly over the zari motifs, as heat can tarnish the metallic thread.
Folding and Storage
- Wrap the saree in a soft cotton cloth or muslin — never plastic, which traps moisture and yellows silk.
- Refold along different lines every few months so the silk does not weaken and tear along the same creases.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity.
- Add a few cloves or neem leaves to keep insects away — avoid direct contact with naphthalene balls.
Everyday Tips
Wear perfume and hairspray before draping the saree, not after, so chemicals do not stain the silk. Deal with any spill immediately by dabbing gently — never rubbing. Give your Paithani a chance to air out after wearing before folding it away.
A Saree Worth Caring For
Looked after well, a Vidhate Paithani will stay as beautiful as the day it left the loom in Yeola. Explore our handwoven Double Pallu and Vintage Paithani collections, or browse all our sarees.