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Fabric Care Guide

Every Kathanvi piece carries a story. With the right care, it will carry it for generations.

Caring for Your Kathanvi Textiles

 

Each piece you own carries centuries of craftsmanship and tradition. These aren’t just garments—they’re stories
woven into silk, masterpieces created by skilled artisans. With proper care, your Banarasi sarees, lehengas, and
dupattas will remain vibrant and beautiful, ready to be passed down as cherished treasures. This guide will help
you preserve their splendor.

Fabric-Specific Care Instructions

Pure Silk & Banarasi Silk

Cleaning

  • Dry clean only for best results
  • If hand washing: Use cold water with mild, pH-neutral silk detergent
  • Never wring or twist; gently squeeze excess water
  • Add a few drops of white vinegar to final rinse for shine

Drying & Ironing

  • Dry in shade, away from direct sunlight
  • Iron on reverse side while slightly damp
  • Use low to medium heat setting
  • Place a thin cotton cloth between iron and fabric

Special Care

Zari work: Never apply iron directly on golden/silver threads

Keep away from perfumes, deodorants, and cosmetics

Air out after wearing before storing

Silk Georgette

Cleaning

  • Dry clean preferred for embellished pieces
  • Hand wash in lukewarm water with silk shampoo
  • Soak for maximum 5 minutes
  • Rinse thoroughly in cold water

Drying & Ironing

  • Roll in towel to absorb moisture
  • Hang dry in shade on padded hanger
  • Iron on low heat while damp
  • Steam iron works best

Special Care

Delicate fabric—handle gently

Avoid harsh chemicals and bleach

Silk Blend

Cleaning

  • Check blend composition before washing
  • Dry clean for heavily embellished pieces
  • Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent
  • Separate colors for first few washes

Drying & Ironing

  • Dry flat or hang in shade
  • Iron on medium heat, reverse side
  • Test temperature on small area first

Special Care

More durable than pure silk but still needs gentle care

Avoid prolonged soaking

Tissue & Tissue Silk

Cleaning

  • Dry clean only recommended
  • Extremely delicate—avoid home washing
  • If necessary, spot clean with damp cloth

Drying & Ironing

  • Air dry completely in shade
  • No ironing directly—use steam from distance
  • If ironing necessary: lowest heat, cotton cloth barrier

Special Care

  • Metallic threads can tarnish—store with care
  • Handle minimally; fabric is fragile
  • Keep away from rough surfaces

Cotton & Cotton Silk

Cleaning

  • Hand wash in cold or lukewarm water
  • Use mild detergent; avoid harsh chemicals
  • Cotton silk: Treat like silk, wash gently
  • Soak for 10–15 minutes if needed

Drying & Ironing

  • Dry in shade to prevent fading
  • Iron while slightly damp for best results
  • Medium to high heat for pure cotton
  • Cotton silk: Medium heat only

Special Care

  • May shrink slightly in first wash
  • Starching can restore crispness
  • Natural fibers breathe well in storage

Chiffon

Cleaning

  • Dry clean for embellished or beaded pieces
  • Hand wash in cold water with gentle soap
  • Do not rub or scrub
  • Rinse thoroughly without wringing

Drying & Ironing

  • Hang dry immediately to prevent wrinkles
  • Iron on lowest setting while damp
  • Use pressing cloth to avoid shine
  • Steam works better than direct heat

Special Care

  • Snags easily—keep away from jewelry
  • Very sheer and delicate

Chanderi Silk

Cleaning

  • Dry clean recommended
  • If hand washing: Cold water with silk detergent
  • Very gentle handling required
  • Minimal soaking time

Drying & Ironing

  • Dry in complete shade
  • Iron on low heat, reverse side
  • Use muslin cloth between iron and fabric

Special Care

  • Lightweight and sheer—extremely delicate
  • Traditional weave requires special care
  • Keep away from sharp objects

Velvet

Cleaning

  • Professional dry cleaning only
  • Spot clean stains immediately with soft cloth
  • Never wash in water

Drying & Ironing

  • Air dry if spot cleaned
  • Never iron directly—use steam from reverse
  • Hang on padded hangers to maintain shape
  • Brush pile gently with soft brush if flattened

Special Care

  • Pile direction sensitive—handle carefully
  • Store in breathable garment bags
  • Avoid sitting or creasing

Linen

Cleaning

  • Machine wash on gentle cycle or hand wash
  • Use mild detergent in lukewarm water
  • Separate colors for first wash

Drying & Ironing

  • Line dry or tumble dry on low
  • Remove while slightly damp to reduce wrinkles
  • Iron with high heat while damp
  • Linen looks beautiful with natural creases

Special Care

  • Becomes softer with each wash
  • May wrinkle easily but that’s part of its charm
  • Very durable and long-lasting

Organza

Cleaning

  • Dry clean only for silk organza
  • Synthetic organza: Hand wash in cold water
  • Use very mild soap
  • Do not twist or wring

Drying & Ironing

  • Hang dry immediately in shade
  • Iron on lowest heat setting
  • Always use pressing cloth
  • Iron on reverse side only

Special Care

  • Crisp, delicate fabric—handle with care
  • May develop water spots; dry clean preferred

Crepe

Cleaning

  • Dry clean for silk crepe
  • Synthetic crepe: Hand wash in cold water
  • Use mild detergent; gentle handling
  • Avoid soaking for long periods

Drying & Ironing

  • Hang or lay flat to dry in shade
  • Iron on low to medium heat
  • Don’t over-iron; light pressing sufficient
  • Steam iron preferred

Special Care

  • Naturally wrinkle-resistant
  • Textured surface doesn’t show creases

Never Do This

  • Never use chlorine bleach on any fabrics
  • Avoid washing in hot water
  • Don’t wring or twist wet fabric
  • Never leave wet textiles in a pile
  • Avoid direct sunlight while drying
  • Don’t spray perfume directly on fabric
  • Never store damp or soiled garments

Fabric-Specific Care Instructions

First Wash

  • Dry clean new Banarasi sarees before first wear
  • Colors may bleed in first wash—test separately
  • Enhances drape and adds protection

Zari & Embellishments

  • Always iron on reverse side
  • Use cotton cloth as barrier
  • Never apply heat directly to metal threads
  • Polish gently with soft cloth if tarnished

Color Preservation

  • Wash dark and light colors separately
  • Dry in shade
  • Turn inside out when drying
  • Store away from direct light
  •  

Professional Cleaning

  • Choose cleaners experienced with Indian textiles
  • Specify gentle dry cleaning
  • Inform about embellishments
  • Clean at least once a year

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage is essential for preserving your heirloom textiles.

For Sarees

  • Fold along natural creases
  • Use muslin cloth between folds
  • Refold periodically
  • Store in cotton bags
  • Heavy sarees: Store flat

For Lehengas & Suits

  • Hang on padded hangers
  • Use breathable garment bags
  • Fold suits with tissue paper
  • Keep sets together

Environmental Conditions

  • Store in cool, dry place
  • Ensure air circulation
  • Avoid damp areas
  • Ideal temperature: 60–70°F
  • Keep away from heat

Protection from Pests

  • Use neem leaves, cloves, or lavender
  • Avoid mothballs directly on fabric
  • Use cedar blocks
  • Inspect regularly
  • Air out every 3–6 months

Long-Term Storage

  • Clean before storing
  • Wrap in acid-free tissue
  • Use cotton boxes
  • Label properly
  • Check every 6 months

Seasonal Care

  • Monsoon: Keep completely dry
  • Use silica gel
  • Summer: Increase ventilation
  • Winter: Air out garments

Emergency Care & Stain Removal

Oil-Based Stains

  • Blot immediately
  • Use talcum powder or cornstarch
  • Let sit 30 minutes
  • Brush off gently
  • Dry clean promptly

Water-Based Stains

  • Blot with cloth
  • Dab with cold water
  • Work from outside inward
  • Air dry

Makeup & Cosmetics

  • Remove excess gently
  • Use wipes (test first)
  • Dab, don’t rub
  • Dry clean immediately

Ink Stains

  • Act immediately
  • Blot only
  • Do not use water
  • Seek professional help

Mildew & Odor

  • Brief sun exposure
  • Brush outdoors
  • Air out thoroughly
  • Use baking soda
  • Dry clean if needed

When to Seek Professional Help

  • Delicate or valuable pieces
  • Old stains
  • Zari damage
  • Color bleeding
  • Fabric tears

Remember: These textiles are more than fabric—they are living traditions, crafted with patience
and artistry.  The care you give them today ensures they remain beautiful tomorrow and for generations to come. When in doubt, always choose professional care over home remedies. Your Kathanvi treasures deserve nothing less.

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