Kasavu Saree Care: Wash, Starch and Iron Guide

The first airing after wearing

As soon as you return home from Onam or the wedding, unfold the kasavu saree fully and hang it over a wide wooden hanger or a clean cotton bedsheet, in a shaded, well ventilated room. Do not put it away folded. Let it breathe for twenty four hours. This releases perspiration, jasmine oil and small food traces before they set into the weave. Never hang in direct sunlight. Kasavu cream yellows quickly in the sun.

Dry cleaning vs gentle home wash

A pure kasavu cotton saree can be gently hand washed at home. A kasavu saree with heavy zari, coloured borders that may bleed, or embroidery should always be dry cleaned by a trusted saree specialist, not by a general dry cleaner. For home wash, use cold water, a mild pH neutral detergent meant for delicate fabrics, and a large basin. Never wring the saree. Press water out gently between two clean cotton towels.

Removing sweat marks and stains

Sweat marks along the pallu and under the arms show more on cream than on colour. Blot fresh sweat with a dry cotton cloth as soon as you notice, then dust the area lightly with talc and leave overnight. For turmeric and kumkum, do not rub. Take the saree to the dry cleaner within forty eight hours. For oil, lift with talc first and then hand over. The stain removal work should never happen at home for zari sarees.

Starch, the traditional way

A traditional kanji starch, made from cooked rice water strained and cooled, gives a kasavu saree its characteristic crisp fall. Dip only the body of the saree, never the zari border, in a mild starch solution. Do not use chemical starches or sprays from a bottle. For weddings, ask the drycleaner for a light starch, not a heavy one. Heavy starch makes the saree stand awkwardly in photographs.

Ironing zari safely

Iron the saree on the reverse side, on a clean cotton sheet, at a medium heat. Never touch the iron directly to zari on the front. Place a thin muslin cloth over the zari border and iron over the muslin. Never spray water directly onto the border. For heavy zari sarees, iron only the body and leave the border to a professional presser.

Folding to prevent zari cracks

The old folds are what break zari over time. Refold the saree along a different line every three months so no single crease deepens. For long term storage, roll the saree loosely around a soft cotton bolster rather than folding sharply. Wrap in unbleached muslin, not tissue paper or plastic. The silk saree storage guide at journal silk saree storage south india has more on folding and rolling techniques that apply to kasavu too.

Storage between wearings

Store kasavu in a dry wardrobe, wrapped in muslin, with a small cotton pouch of dried neem leaves or two whole cloves. Avoid naphthalene balls. Their chemical residue yellows cream cotton and damages fine zari. Air the saree once every two months, especially during monsoon. If the wardrobe is on an outer wall, place a small silica gel pack inside.

Courier packing to send home

If the kasavu is a gift being sent home, ask the store to fold it in tissue and place it in a stiff card saree box before couriering. Never send in a soft plastic pouch alone. Add a small note asking the recipient to unfold, air for a day, and store as above. The pack saree gift for courier guide at journal pack saree gift for courier india has the full packing method. The settu mundu vs kasavu guide at journal settu mundu vs kasavu difference has more on which pieces need which care.