Wash and Care of Hand block Printed Sarees: A Complete Guide

Hand block printed sarees are timeless pieces of art, made with love and care by skilled artisans. Whether you own a mul cotton or linen hand block printed saree, following proper wash and care instructions is important to help your hand block printed sarees to retain their beauty for years. Follow this guide to ensure your saree stays vibrant and fresh.

Below are the steps to wash and care for your hand block printed sarees.

Step 1: Check the Fabric

Before washing, identify whether your saree is made of mul cotton or linen. To do this, check the tag provided with the saree, which will help you determine the material. The washing method differs based on the fabric:

Step 2: To Wash Mul Cotton Hand block printed Sarees:

To prevent the possibility of color bleeding, it is advisable to wash block-printed sarees with similar colors or separately. 

A small amount of color bleeding is to be expected during the initial washes, which can stain light-colored or delicate clothes. The initial bleeding will not fade the saree color.

In a basin add cold water and add a mild detergent, preferably a shampoo. Do not use any harsh detergents. Gently place the saree in the basin and swirl it around. Do not soak your saree for more than 5 mins.Only apply pressure gently to the area of visible stain. Handblock printed sarees need extra care.

For Linen Hand block printed sarees & sarees with Golden/Silver Prints:

Linen sarees and sarees with golden or silver prints should only be dry cleaned. Avoid home washing to maintain their structure and handblock prints.

Step 3: Drying and Ironing

• Always dry the saree in shade, away from direct sunlight to preserve the prints.

• For best results, hang the saree flat to prevent creasing.

• Use a low to medium heat iron and always iron on the reverse side to protect the prints.

Step 4: Storing Your Saree

• Fold and store the saree in a cotton or muslin cloth bag.

• Keep it in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture damage.

• If storing for long periods, refold occasionally to avoid permanent creases.

Final Thoughts

Handblock printed sarees are delicate and require love and care. By following these simple washing tips, you can keep your saree looking as fresh and beautiful as the day you bought it. Treat it gently, and it will reward you with timeless elegance!