Care Guides · Personal Belongings Care
How to store and refresh silk and Banarasi sarees
By MIB Care Team · Last reviewed 23 October 2026 · 5 min read
Short answer: Store silk and Banarasi sarees folded, each wrapped in clean muslin or soft cotton, never plastic. Keep them in a dry wardrobe away from outer walls, re-fold them along different lines every 2 to 3 months, and air them in the shade, not direct sun. Wrap zari work separately so it does not rub against other fabrics.
Why silk needs special care
Silk is a natural protein fibre. It weakens along fold lines over time, fades in sunlight, and attracts fungus and insects in humid weather. Zari, the metallic thread in Banarasi and Kanjeevaram sarees, can tarnish when it meets moisture or chemicals.
Step by step
- Clean before storing. Store sarees only after dry cleaning or airing. Sweat and perfume stains set over time.
- Fold loosely. Avoid sharp creases. Keep the zari pallu on the outside of the fold where possible.
- Wrap each saree. Use a muslin or soft cotton bag, or an old soft cotton saree. Plastic traps moisture.
- Store flat and dry. Stack a few sarees at most, heaviest at the bottom, on a shelf away from outer walls.
- Re-fold every 2 to 3 months. Change the fold lines so the silk does not split along one crease.
- Air in the shade. Open and air sarees for an hour or two on a dry day, away from direct sun.
Do and avoid
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Muslin or cotton wraps | Plastic covers and vacuum bags |
| Natural repellents such as neem leaves or cedar, wrapped in cloth | Naphthalene balls touching the fabric, which can stain and dull zari |
| Padded hangers for short periods only | Hanging heavy silks for months, which stretches them |
| Spraying perfume on your skin before you dress | Spraying perfume directly onto silk or zari |
| Dry cleaning for silk | Washing silk with regular detergent at home |
Monsoon care
- Put a moisture absorber in the saree cupboard and change it monthly
- Keep a small silica gel sachet in each storage bag, not touching the fabric
- Check sarees once a month for spots or a musty smell
- Keep the cupboard door open for an hour on dry days
Organising a saree wardrobe
Group sarees by fabric first (silk, cotton, synthetic), then by occasion. Label each bag with a photo or a short description, so you can find a saree without unfolding ten others. Our team organises saree wardrobes at ₹1,200 per 7x3 ft unit + GST.
When to call MIB Care Team
Wardrobe and cabinet organising. Wardrobes and cabinets arranged so everything has a place, and stays there.
Questions we hear often
Should I hang or fold silk sarees?
Fold them for long-term storage. Hang only for short periods on padded hangers, because heavy silk stretches when it hangs for months.
How often should I re-fold silk sarees?
Every 2 to 3 months, changing the fold lines, so the silk does not weaken along one crease.
Are naphthalene balls safe for sarees?
Keep them away from the fabric. Direct contact can stain silk and dull zari. Use neem leaves or cedar wrapped in cloth instead.
Can MIB organise my saree collection?
Yes. We sort, fold, wrap and label sarees by fabric and occasion. Wardrobe organising is ₹1,200 per 7x3 ft unit + GST.