Care for what you carry forward.
Every Ambaravaa saree is made to be worn, remembered and returned to over the years. Different weaves and fabrics need different kinds of care, so we’ve kept this guide simple.
Find your saree’s fabric below and follow the recommended care instructions to help preserve its colour, texture, drape and detailing.
A little care goes a long way
Care by Fabric
Cleaning
Professional dry cleaning is recommended. Avoid machine washing, soaking or using regular detergents.
After wearing
Air the saree in shade for a few hours before storing. This helps release moisture and fragrance naturally.
Ironing
Use a low-temperature iron on the reverse side. A thin cotton cloth between the iron and saree is recommended.
Storage
Fold with the zari facing inward and wrap in clean cotton or muslin. Store in a cool, dry place.
Good to know
Refold silk sarees every few months so the fabric and zari do not remain stressed along the same crease.
Cleaning
Dry clean only, particularly for sarees with zari, brocade or intricate woven detailing.
After wearing
Air gently in shade before storing.
Ironing
Iron on low heat from the reverse side. Avoid placing a hot iron directly over zari.
Storage
Wrap separately in muslin or soft cotton. Avoid direct contact with plastic, moisture and strong chemical repellents.
Good to know
Store heavy sarees folded rather than hanging them for long periods, as their own weight may stretch the weave.
Cleaning
For fine handwoven or silk-blend Jamdani, professional dry cleaning is recommended. If your saree is cotton and specifically marked washable, use cold water and a very mild detergent.
Drying
Never wring or twist. Allow it to dry naturally in shade.
Ironing
Use low to medium heat from the reverse side.
Storage
Fold gently and store in breathable cotton or muslin.
Cleaning
Dry cleaning is preferred, especially for silk-cotton Chanderi and sarees with zari.
Handling
Chanderi is lightweight and delicate. Avoid pulling, twisting or rubbing the fabric aggressively.
Ironing
Use low heat, preferably with a cotton cloth placed over the saree.
Storage
Keep folded in muslin in a dry space away from prolonged sunlight.
Cleaning
For plain sarees, gentle hand washing in cold water may be suitable if permitted by the care label. For embellished or delicate pieces, choose professional dry cleaning.
Drying
Do not wring. Allow excess water to drain naturally and dry in shade.
Ironing
Use very low heat or gentle steaming from a safe distance.
Storage
Fold loosely and keep away from jewellery or sharp objects that may snag the fabric.
Cleaning
Professional dry cleaning is recommended for preserving the saree's crisp structure.
Handling
Avoid crushing or tightly twisting the saree.
Ironing
Use very low heat or gentle steam. Never allow a hot iron to rest directly on the fabric.
Storage
Fold carefully with tissue or soft cotton between layers if required.
Cleaning
Hand wash separately in cold water using a mild detergent unless the care label recommends otherwise.
Slight colour release during early washes can occur with some traditionally dyed fabrics.
Drying
Do not wring aggressively. Dry naturally in shade.
Ironing
Use medium heat, preferably while the fabric retains a little natural moisture.
Storage
Ensure the saree is completely dry before folding.
Cleaning
Wash gently in cold water with a mild detergent where permitted by the care label.
Drying
Avoid twisting or harsh wringing. Dry naturally in shade.
Ironing
Iron on medium heat while slightly damp for the smoothest finish.
Storage
Fold neatly in a cool, dry space.
Cleaning
Professional dry cleaning only.
Handling
Avoid pulling embellishments or rubbing metallic surfaces together.
Ironing
Direct ironing over embroidery, sequins, zari or metallic surfaces should be avoided.
Storage
Use soft tissue or muslin between folds and store separately from jewellery or other garments that may catch on the detailing.
Spills & Stains
Something spilled?
Don’t panic and definitely don’t scrub.
For a fresh spill, gently blot excess liquid with a clean, absorbent white cloth. Avoid rubbing, soaking or applying household stain removers, especially on silk, zari and handwoven fabrics.
For valuable or delicate sarees, take the saree to a professional cleaner as soon as practical and tell them what caused the stain.
How to Store Your Sarees
Between one occasion and the next
Your sarees spend far more time stored than worn, which makes storage part of their care.
Keep them clean, completely dry and protected from prolonged sunlight or humidity. Precious silk and handwoven sarees are best wrapped individually in breathable muslin or cotton. Take them out occasionally, allow them to air in shade and change their fold before storing them again.
That tiny ritual can make a surprisingly big difference over time.
Beauty in the details
Handwoven and traditionally crafted textiles may show subtle variations in weave, colour, motifs or texture.
These are not necessarily imperfections. They can be part of the individual character of the textile and a reflection of the processes through which it was made.
Still unsure?
Not sure how to care for your saree?
If you’re unsure about the fabric, weave or recommended cleaning method, we’d rather you ask before experimenting.