Can Sarees be washed in a washing machine?

Sarees, especially handloom and natural fibre sarees, require specific care. Washing them in a washing machine can damage the fabric, structure, and longevity of the saree. Understanding the reasons helps in preserving the garment and maintaining its quality over time.

1. Machine Agitation Damages Fabric Structure

Washing machines clean clothes using rotation, friction, and pressure. Sarees are long and layered garments. During machine wash cycles, the fabric gets twisted and pulled repeatedly.

This can lead to:

• Yarn breakage

• Fibre weakening

• Loss of weave tightness

• Distortion of the saree fall

Handloom sarees are woven with individual yarn tension. Mechanical movement can disturb this balance.

2. Natural Fibres Are Sensitive To Mechanical Stress

Most traditional sarees are made using cotton, silk, linen, or tissue blends. These fibres react differently compared to synthetic fabrics.

Machine washing can cause:

• Silk fibres to lose strength when soaked and rotated

• Cotton yarns to become rough and lose softness

• Linen to develop permanent creases

• Zari threads to loosen or tarnish

Natural fibres require controlled handling.

3. Zari And Borders Are Vulnerable

Many sarees contain zari, contrast borders, or woven motifs. These sections often use metallic threads or tightly packed yarn work.

Machine washing can result in:

• Zari thread breakage

• Border distortion

• Motif pulling or misalignment

Once damaged, these elements cannot be restored.

4. Saree Length Causes Tangling

A saree is typically 5.5 to 6.5 metres long. During a machine cycle, the length increases the chance of:

• Twisting into knots

• Uneven cleaning

• Stretching of pallu or pleat sections

This stretching permanently alters the saree’s shape.

5. Colour Bleeding Risk Increases

Handloom sarees often use traditional dyeing methods. These dyes may release colour during aggressive washing cycles.

Machine washing increases:

• Friction-based colour transfer

• Patch fading

• Uneven tone loss

Gentle washing reduces dye disturbance.

6. Detergents Used In Machines Are Strong

Machine detergents are formulated for bulk cleaning and stain removal. They contain chemicals that can affect delicate fibres.

This may cause:

• Fibre dryness

• Loss of sheen in silk

• Rough texture in cotton

• Weakening of yarn joints

Mild detergents or specialised fabric cleansers are safer.

7. Machine Drying Adds Further Damage

Spin drying or heat drying increases fibre stress. It can lead to:

• Shrinkage

• Fabric stiffness

• Loss of drape

• Permanent crease formation

Air drying maintains fabric balance.

Recommended Washing Methods For Sarees

Cotton Handloom Sarees

• Wash separately in cold water

• Use mild detergent

• Avoid soaking for long duration

• Dry in shade

Silk Sarees

• Prefer dry cleaning

• Avoid water washing unless specified by weaver or manufacturer

Linen Sarees

• Gentle hand wash

• Avoid twisting or wringing

Sarees With Zari

• Dry cleaning is recommended

When Machine Washing May Be Acceptable

Machine washing may be possible only if:

• The saree is synthetic or blended with polyester

• The manufacturer clearly mentions machine wash suitability

• Gentle cycle and protective wash bags are used

Even in such cases, frequent machine washing reduces saree life.

Conclusion

Sarees are constructed differently from stitched garments. Their weave structure, length, and fibre composition make them unsuitable for regular machine washing. Proper washing methods help retain fabric strength, colour, and drape, ensuring the saree remains usable for many years.