How to Wash a Block Print Saree at Home

To wash a block print saree, hand wash it alone in cold water with a mild detergent, do not soak or scrub it, and dry it flat in shade. Wash it separately for the first two or three washes in case the dye runs, and iron it inside out on low heat. Block prints on real silk should be dry-cleaned instead.

How to wash a block print saree, step by step

1. Check the care label and the fabric. Modal, bamboo silk and cotton can be hand washed. Silk goes to the dry cleaner.
2. Fill a clean basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild liquid detergent.
3. Wash the saree on its own. Do not put it in with other clothes for the first few washes.
4. Press and squeeze gently for a few minutes. Do not scrub the printed areas and do not wring the fabric.
5. Rinse in cold water until the water runs clear.
6. Press out the water between two towels and dry the saree flat or over a line in shade.
7. Iron inside out on low heat while the fabric is slightly damp.

Will a block print saree bleed colour?

It depends on the dye. Traditional natural-dye prints, such as Bagru dabu and indigo, can bleed in the first few washes, and indigo bleeds heavily. That is why the saree goes in alone and you rinse it until the water clears. Block prints made with other methods may not run at all, but you cannot tell by looking, so treat every new one the same way.

A simple test: dab a damp white cloth on a hidden corner of the saree. If colour transfers, wash it alone for several washes and rinse under running cold water until the water is clear. To read more about the craft itself, see what block printing on fabric is.

Caring for block print on modal and bamboo silk

Modal and bamboo silk are both plant-based fibres that lose strength when wet, so be gentle. Modal holds up better than bamboo silk, but neither likes wringing, hot water or a hard scrub. Our care notes for each fabric are in how to care for your modal saree and how to wash a bamboo silk saree.

Drying and ironing

Do not leave a wet saree bundled up, since that is where creases and dye transfer happen. Hang it in shade. Direct sun fades colour and can shrink some fabrics. Iron inside out so the iron never touches the print directly.

What to avoid

Skip hot water, bleach, soaking overnight and the washing machine. Do not scrub with a brush, and do not dry on a radiator or in strong sun. If the saree has a zari border, keep that away from vinegar and harsh detergents.

Block-print-inspired sarees to try

If you want to try a block-print-inspired saree, the Rose Block Print Modal Saree is worth looking at. It is soft, easy to wash by hand and the floral print is inspired by classic block designs. ₹1,830, blouse piece included. For a quieter look, Maithili in sage green bamboo silk carries geometric block-print-inspired motifs. ₹1,910, blouse piece included. See the full block print saree range.

A saree is 5.5 metres plus a 0.8 metre blouse piece. Shipping is free, cash on delivery is available and returns are accepted within 48 hours.