To preserve the silk saree (silk sari), care is to be taken for storing, washing, dry cleaning, drying and ironing.
http://tamiltip.blogspot.com/2009/08/tips-to-maintain-silk-saree.html
- Store the sari in a cool, dry place, wrapped in muslin cloth.
- Unfold your silk sarees and change the folding periodically, preferably every month.
- Don’t use soap for the first three washes. Gently rinse in plain cold water.
- For the subsequent washes, use a mild detergent.
- Wash the pallu, border and body separately.
- Don’t beat or lash the silk saree; it might lead to tearing of the zari.
- Avoid twisting or wringing.
- Don't bundle and keep wet for long durations.
- To remove stain, wash with cold water immediately.
- For hard stains, soak the stained area with petrol and brush with a soft cloth.
- Stained silk must be dry-cleaned as soon as possible.
- Remove lipstick stains & food stains using a dry-cleaning solvent and wash with soap and water.
- Remove greasy stains by dabbing talc, brushing off the talc, applying stain remover, and washing off the stain remover in hot water.
- Stains like blood, deodorant and perspiration can be cleaned with detergent.
- Dry-cleaning is the best way to care, since the solvents used do not affect silk.
- After washing, the saree must be dried under shadow.
- Iron the silk saree in medium heat, while it is still damp with a warm iron, or use a steam iron.
http://tamiltip.blogspot.com/2009/08/tips-to-maintain-silk-saree.html